To ensure that your new cat or kitten feels more like a member of the family than a guest, there are a few items you should gather or purchase before bringing them home. Prepare for this a few days ahead of time to reduce anxiety on the “big day.” You don’t want to be so excited about bringing your cat home at 8 p.m. that you forget to buy cat food. The barest necessities your feline will require are as follows:
Food
It’s probably best to give your new pet whatever food she is used to, if you can speak with the caregiver in her previous home. Most of the time, if you purchase a cat from a breeder, their contract will either strongly advise or mandate that you feed a specific brand of food. Here are some guidelines to help you decide what to feed your pet if it is a cat or kitten whose background is unknown:
What Cats Should Purchase
Look for foods with “Complete and Balanced Nutrition” and the AAFCO animal feeding tested statement “for all life stages” on the label because these babies require more fats and proteins than adult cats do. Additionally, there are foods made especially for kittens. They are distinguished by the following characteristics: “highly digestible, nutrient-dense, and uniquely designed to meet kittens’ nutritional requirements.” Eight weeks and older kittens can manage dry food fairly well, though canned food is actually healthier for them.
What Adult Cats Should Purchase
Although canned food is preferable for cats, your cat might only eat dry food. Adult cats do best on dry food, and any high-end brand will do. Additionally, you ought to augment your cat’s diet with canned food, as you should eventually aim to transition them to canned exclusively.
Bowls of food and water
You can feed your new cat in any ceramic (not lead-glazed) or stainless steel bowl that you have in your kitchen, but it might make you feel better to give her her own dishes. It is not advised to give cats plastic dishes because some cats get chin rashes from the material, and because softer plastic scratches can act as a harbor for bacteria (perhaps a case of cause and effect).Pet bowls made of stainless steel that don’t tip are readily available. Make sure the glaze on any decorated ceramic dishes you choose is lead-free. Purchase only American-made goods to be safe.
When humans will be gone for extended periods of time during the day, such as for work or school, automatic food and water servers are very helpful. The majority of cats adore the crisp, clean taste of running water, and automatic water dispensers guarantee a steady supply.
Playthings
Playing with Kitty and her toys will start your bonding time together, as all cats love to play. One of the most popular types of toys for interactive play is the “fishing pole, dangling lure” kind. Just make sure the hanging portion is strong enough to prevent tiny kittens from ripping off feathers or other materials.
A classic favorite are catnip mice. There is a wide range of cat houses and climbing posts available, from inexpensive cardboard designs to expensive custom-built “cat furniture” sets.
Grooming Equipment
Having your cat or new kitten groomed is a great opportunity to strengthen your bond. Look for a pin brush with a rubber backing and a fine-toothed comb. A cat-specific nail clipper is a bonus. It will be much easier to trim your kitten’s nails as she gets older if you begin doing so at an early age.
Cat Transporter
This is essential. Never attempt to move a cat without one. When bringing a new cat or kitten home, a basic cardboard carrier (available from your veterinarian) works well. However, you’ll eventually need to replace this with a sturdy plastic or fiberglass carrier with a solid bottom, a latch that locks, and an opening that is screened so the cat can see through it. If you plan to travel, a sturdy cloth carrier that has been approved by the airline is a good substitute.
Post Scratching
You may not like it, but your cat will scratch. Investing in a scratching post will set the tone for your relationship right away. It can be as fancy or as simple as you want, and if you know how to use tools, you can even put one together yourself. Certain commercially manufactured scratching posts are scented with catnip to draw in your cat. Start with a cardboard scratcher like the Cosmic Alpine Scratcher if money is tight.
Litter and a Litter Box
For cats that live indoors or outdoors, selecting the ideal litter box is essential. For adult cats, which tend to toss the litter around a lot, look for a large box with high sides. These can also be as elaborate or as simple as your budget permits, but for now, start with a straightforward plastic litter box that is appropriately positioned for your cat.
A box that is low enough for kittens to easily enter is necessary. Of all the litter types, the plant-based variety appears to be the safest. All clay litters tend to stir up dust, which is unhealthy for both you and your cat to breathe, and clumping clay litter contains an ingredient that can be harmful to cats if consumed.
A mat beneath the box could be used to collect stray litter. For that purpose, you can purchase mats from a pet store, or purchase a few cheap samples of carpet or linoleum that can be thrown away and replaced when they become too worn.
A bed (Recommended but Not Required)
Since this is your first cat, it’s likely that he or she will sleep on your bed, but it’s still a good idea to give kitty a comfortable, unique space of her own to call home. An adult cat should be able to curl up comfortably in the bed, which should be cozy, machine-washable, and not too big so as to make her feel exposed and defenseless.
Schedule a Visit with a Vet
Not exactly something to put on a shopping list, but your local veterinary clinic should be your first stop before even bringing your cat home, unless she comes with documentation of a recent visit, proof of vaccinations, and negative test results for various diseases and medical conditions. So while you’re thinking about it, schedule the appointment now.
