Adopting a New Cat? Here are the Essentials

Are you adopting a new cat?  Or bringing a cat home for the first time? Here are the essentials you need:

There are many similarities between the needs of a new dog and a new cat, but there are some differences that you need to be aware of if you are a feline owning newbie.

1. Food and Water Bowls:  Food and water is critical for the survival of all things, human and animal alike, and your cat is no exception. Sure, cats in the wild eat food off the ground all the time, but while in the house they can learn to be a bit more civilized.
2. Food and Training Treats:  When picking out food for your kitten, make sure to know the basics, such as their age and preference. Cats are tricky creatures, so training can be hard sometimes, but it is good to have treats around to positively reinforce good behavior, like using the litter box.
3. Litter Boxes:  Cats need toilets too, so it is important to have at least two litter boxes in your home. If you are bringing home a kitten, try putting them in their own room, like the bathroom, with multiple litter boxes for a couple of days before allowing them to roam the house. Kittens need more litter boxes than adult cats because they are still learning to hold it and sometimes tiny tummies just can’t make it, so having multiple litter boxes makes for less accidents.
4. Toys and Scratching Post: Cats and kittens have lots of energy, so they will need some toys to keep them entertained throughout the day. Also, a scratching post can keep your feisty feline from ripping up your socks and ruining the furniture.
5. Collars:  Your feline friend need a collar for two reasons. First off, a collar is like a wallet for a cat, it holds all of their identification in one spot. Secondly, a collar with a bell helps you to find your tiny, adventurous ball of fur.
6. ID tag/ Microchipping: Cats are sneaky and curious creatures and can escape from a home rather quickly if you are not careful, so making sure they have identification and/or a microchip can ensure their safe return. Many cats in shelters come from homes, so having identification can help keep curiosity from killing the cat.
7. Cat Carrier:  Cat carriers are a good way to transportation your feline friend. A cat in a car is usually not a happy one, so putting them in a carrier will help ease their anxiety. Unfortunately, getting your cat into the carrier can be tough, so putting a small amount of food or treats inside can help coax them in and can make the experience more pleasant.
8. Grooming Tools: A common misconception is that cats do not need grooming because they already do it themselves. They still need to be brushed out, have a good teeth cleaning, and a nail trim from time to time, so getting some of these tools is a good idea. Cutting your kitten’s claws can be a little hard, so if you are not sure or wary about doing this yourself, talk to your vet about doing it for you.
9. Vetting: Your new furry friend is going to need at least two doctors visits a year; one to keep their vaccinations up to date and another for a basic wellness exam. Getting your kitten in to see the doc at a young age will help to keep them from developing “white coat” syndrome. Don’t laugh, it does happen!
10. Love, Time,  and Patience:  And of course, the best recipe for a “purr”fect feline companion is some time, a handful of patience, and a lifetime of love.