What to Prepare Before Getting Your First Cat
📝 Summary
We would not move into a new home before the furniture is ready; that is human habit. Before bringing a cat home, prepare its food and daily necessities to help it settle into the new environment.
1 Essential Supplies for a New Cat
1. Daily Living
1. Food and Water Bowls
Bowls come in plastic, glass, ceramic, and stainless steel.
The best choices are ceramic or stainless steel, which are easy to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria.
Plastic easily breeds bacteria if not cleaned promptly, so it is not recommended.
Place the food bowl somewhere relatively secluded so the cat feels less pressure while eating.
Do not place the water bowl next to the food bowl.
2. Litter Box
The litter box is where the cat toilets, and it must be scooped and cleaned daily.
Place it in a hygienic, low-traffic spot.
If defecation is disturbed by footsteps or noise, the cat feels stressed, has difficulty, and may avoid the box; so keep it quiet and hidden.
3. Cat Litter
Cats eliminate in the litter and then bury it.
Litter should be cleaned daily and fully changed periodically, generally about once a week.
There are many types of litter, such as tofu, crystal, and bentonite, varying in price and odor control; try several to find the best fit.
4. Scratching Post
Scratching posts come in many shapes, long, round, box, and vertical; pick one suited to the spot. Replace it once the surface is worn flat.
Cats keep their claws sharp by scratching; build the habit of using the post before they start on the furniture.
2. Daily Care
1. Nail Clippers
Cat claws are very sharp and can accidentally hurt the owner during play, so trim them regularly.
2. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Like us, cats get food trapped between their teeth and need daily brushing.
2. Comb
Long-haired cats need daily combing to keep their coat beautiful.
Cats shed seasonally; to prevent swallowing too much fur while grooming, comb often during shedding.
Routine care is necessary; though a bit troublesome, we hope owners treat cats as patiently as their own children.
Outings and Play
3. Cat Carrier
Carriers come as backpack or hard-shell; the hard-shell is recommended for less jostling.
A carrier is used rarely, mainly for vet visits and vaccinations.
4. Toys
Toys are the best way to bond with a cat; many types exist, and teaser wands and balls are favorites.
To bond quickly, toys are essential, plus spending time with the cat to give it a sense of security.
Buy essentials as your budget allows; a cat cares not about price but about how much you love it.
Want to learn more about pet health?
Explore our pet health channel for more science-based care guides
Read More Articles →