Once you decide to adopt a kitten, you should be ready to provide the essentials your furry companion needs before their arrival. With all the basics on hand, it will make the transition to their new home trouble-free.
The best way to start a good relationship with your new companion is to ensure that you have everything that your cat needs upon bringing them home.
Here are the things that you need once your cat arrives:
Carrier Or Crate
One of the essentials that you need is a crate or carrier for your cat. You’ll use it to transport your cat to their new home. Select a carrier that’s durable and safe, with adequate ventilation and easy accessibility. A good option is a plastic carrier with a locking door.
Cat Food
With the wide selection of cat food Canada and in other parts of the world, you might have difficulty choosing the right one. The best approach is to find out the type of food the breeder, pet store, or shelter was giving and follow the same diet for a while.
Your cat needs to adjust to the new environment during the first few weeks. Giving your cat the same diet can provide comfort. The food you’ll choose should depend on the age. Kittens require a special diet, while senior cats need a specific formulation.
Bowls For Food And Water
Your cat should have bowls for food and water. A simple bowl works well, but you can find models with filters. The bowl should have a broad and sturdy base to avoid tipping. Make sure to clean the bowls daily and position them far from the litter box.
Bed
Although cats sleep anywhere, providing a bed will serve as a favorite spot for naps. Make sure that the bed should be soft and warm. It would be best to position it in a part of the house that makes your cat feel safe and comfortable. Depending on the bed you’ll choose, it should be large enough for your cat to lay down in, along with extra space to stretch out.
Scratching Post
It’s in cats’ nature to scratch. With this in mind, you need to provide a scratching post to help your feline companion deal with their urge to scratch.
The scratching post ought to have a sturdy base to prevent it from tipping over. The scratching post must be as tall as your feline companion, at the very least. With the right height, your cat can stand on hind legs and stretch while scratching.
Toys
Cats have a playful nature. Thus, you must provide your cat with a variety of safe toys to play with. It’s important to note that pouncing is a favorite activity of cats. With this in mind, balls are good options. Toys will keep your cat active and lower the likelihood of obesity in the long run.
Don’t provide toys with small removable parts, such as feathers, to lower choking risk. Always check every toy to ensure that it’s safe before giving it to your cat.
Litter Box
One of the essentials you should have before bringing your cat home is a litter box. You can find various styles in the market these days.
A simple option is a plain plastic box with litter inside. Many prefer this option, but it requires regular maintenance. On the one hand, a hooded litter box has a tall cover to provide your cat with privacy. An advantage of this option is it keeps litter from moving out of the edge and onto the floor. Sadly, some cats are afraid of the hood and will not use it.
A self-cleaning litter box gets rid of the litter after your cat uses the box. While it makes it a convenient option, most fetch a high price, and the mechanism can be frightening for cats.
Remember that the right litter box can go a long way once you introduce your cat into your home.
Collar And ID Tag
Your cat should have a collar and ID tag. The tag must contain your name, address, and contact number. Choose a collar with an automatic release that will disengage if your cat ends up stuck on something.
The collar should have a proper fit and will not irritate the neck, or disrupt swallowing or breathing. The fundamental rule is to provide space for two fingers to fit between the collar and your cat’s neck.
Conclusion
Before bringing a cat to their new home, all these essentials should be on hand. You should ensure that your house is ready to welcome your feline companion so it’d be easier for your cat to adjust. With all the essentials ready, it will not take long for your cat to play and mingle with everyone in the household.
