It is important to ensure that your home is prepared, before bringing your cat or kitten home for the first time. You need to be sure that when your new cat has arrived at you home, that you will be secure in the knowledge that you and your home are ready for it, and you can spend time playing together and getting to know each other in a comfortable environment.
1. Think like a cat
A good thing to do, if you have never owned a cat before, is to crouch down on the floor and survey the room from a cat's perspective. Look at the things that may annoy the cat. Check for potential danger to the cat. Using a torch, check underneath the sofa and look in smaller areas that a human cannot easily reach, but might be tempting for a cat to explore. Keep a list of the potential hazards that you discover.
2. Remove temptation and hidden dangers
Begin by moving any small breakables, irreplaceable objects, or valuable items out of reach. Remember that cats can climb or jump, therefore out of reach is a term loosely used when considering cats. When possible, store valuables away in a closed container.
Hidden dangers are also everywhere, but one important factor to remember, which many home owners do not realise, is poisonous plants. Cats are often attracted to movement, and the leaves on a plant move with the slightest breeze resulting in them investigating the plants by biting as well as pawing. If you have poisonous plants in your house, then be sure to move them to a different part of the house or hang them out of reach.
Remember that cats are also inquisitive about anything that hangs or swings such as blind cords, phone cords, or electrical cords. Bitter Apple can be sprayed onto cords that cannot be moved out of reach or fastened securely. Bitter Apple is a special spray which is a harmless, but unpleasant tasting, substance.
It is also vitally important to ensure that there are no pest poisons lying around in the vicinity.
3. Make some areas off limits
It is important to dedicate a part of the house that will be considered as off-limits to the cat. If a room is regularly used or does not have doors, then this should not be off-limits to your cat. An unused bedroom would be a good place to put off-limits items or the attic. One place that should always be considered as off-limits is the garage, as there are too many chemicals and hazardous materials in there.
4. Shop till you drop
Food and water dishes as well as a litter tray and litter are obvious essentials.
Scratching posts are a very good investment and they are available in various styles and sizes. A scratching post will help to keep your furniture safe and your cat happy.
A cat bed is essential, although some cat owners do allow their cats to sleep with them. If this is the case you still need to purchase a cat bed, so that your cat can use this throughout the day, for short cat naps, or at night.
5. Stock the pantry
Establishing which food your cat prefers can be done by speaking to its previous owner. If this is not possible, then pay particular attention to the cats' needs based on its age or physical condition. Kittens need a food that contains more nutrients, and overweight cats may be put on a special diet.
Food and water bowls should be ceramic or metallic. If you will be out of the house for a long period of time, consider automatic food and water servers.
6. Litter tray
The litter tray should be placed somewhere with easy access for the cat. Do not place the litter tray close to busy areas, and out of the reach of any inquisitive dogs or small children. Place the litter tray on a hard surface, if you place it on a soft carpet, then the may mistake that carpet for the actual litter tray. Once you get your new cat home, it will let you know what type of litter and tray it prefers.
7. Toys
Cats are born hunters, but they also like to play. Playing offers you, as the owner, the opportunity to bond with your new cat and help kittens develop. There is a wide variety of toys available in all pet stores. Purchase toys based on your budget, your living situation, and what your new cat's preferences might be. If you cat likes to chase things, then purchase a ball, or if it likes to lay on its back and claw things, then purchase dangling toys. If it is an older cat, small toys will be more effective, as an older cat is not always interested in chasing toys. But with a kitten, the sky really is the limit!
8. Cat carrier
A cat carrier is a necessity, even if you are planning on keeping your new cat indoors. To begin with, you will need a carrier in order to get the cat home from the shelter or pet store. Trips to the vet are necessary on numerous occasions also, requiring the use of a carrier. A cardboard carrier can be used as a short-term solution, but it is recommended to purchase a sturdy plastic carrier that will give your cat comfort and security during travel.
9. Grooming
Grooming is one of the most essential parts of your cats' lifestyle. It is important to groom your cat on a regular basis, in order to help prevent moulting, flees or irritated skin. Grooming is also very important to your cat's health, as it helps to prevent hairballs and overgrown nails which can be problematic. You need to ensure that you purchase a fine-toothed comb and a rubber-backed pin brush for brushing. If you are considering clipping your cats' claws yourself then you need to purchase a nail clipper which is especially designed for cats. If you do not wish to clip the cats' claws yourself, then visit your local vet of a grooming parlour. One thing is for certain, and that is, if your cat is accustomed to grooming, then it will enjoy it as much as playing.
Once you have established all of the above things, then you will no doubt have hours and hours of fun and enjoyment playing with your new pet cat. A cat is a very peaceful animal to have in your home and it delivers a vast amount of affection.
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