So, you're bringing home a new feline member of the family. This is a great and joyous time-- or it will be, if you don't forget to pick up a few essential new cat supplies for making you and your new family member comfortable.
Cats really don't need too much from us, but the things that they do need are requirements. A collar with tag, a litter box with a scoop, litter, food, and dishes are the basics. Scratching posts and toys can help keep kitty away from your furniture, so these are a good idea, too.
If your cat is an indoor cat, it might seem unnecessary to purchase a collar and tag. But if your cat gets out somehow, having a collar will make it much more likely that it will be returned to you. And litter boxes are nice for even cats that are allowed outdoors, because they might need somewhere to go during the night or a storm.
Simple, sturdy, and easy to clean dishes are an essential element of cat ownership. Dishes from an old set can be used, or those picked up at a thrift store, if you don't want to pay pet store prices. Two are enough for cats that only eat one type of food, but those that eat both wet and dry should have a third. This is because dry food exposed to wet will spoil and have to be thrown out much more quickly.
If you know what your new cat eats already, pick up some more, or get some from the previous owner. If you plan to change the food, choose the new type, and mix it together with the old. Start with a ratio of lots of old food with a bit of new, and then move towards the other way. This will help prevent upset kitty tummies.
Remember that cats are a long term commitment-- some live into their twenties. If you aren't in a place to prepare adequately for your new arrival, you probably aren't in a place to adequately care for your new arrival, either. Choose the time for a new addition to the family carefully, so that you can give your cat a home for life.
Cats really don't need too much from us, but the things that they do need are requirements. A collar with tag, a litter box with a scoop, litter, food, and dishes are the basics. Scratching posts and toys can help keep kitty away from your furniture, so these are a good idea, too.
If your cat is an indoor cat, it might seem unnecessary to purchase a collar and tag. But if your cat gets out somehow, having a collar will make it much more likely that it will be returned to you. And litter boxes are nice for even cats that are allowed outdoors, because they might need somewhere to go during the night or a storm.
Simple, sturdy, and easy to clean dishes are an essential element of cat ownership. Dishes from an old set can be used, or those picked up at a thrift store, if you don't want to pay pet store prices. Two are enough for cats that only eat one type of food, but those that eat both wet and dry should have a third. This is because dry food exposed to wet will spoil and have to be thrown out much more quickly.
If you know what your new cat eats already, pick up some more, or get some from the previous owner. If you plan to change the food, choose the new type, and mix it together with the old. Start with a ratio of lots of old food with a bit of new, and then move towards the other way. This will help prevent upset kitty tummies.
Remember that cats are a long term commitment-- some live into their twenties. If you aren't in a place to prepare adequately for your new arrival, you probably aren't in a place to adequately care for your new arrival, either. Choose the time for a new addition to the family carefully, so that you can give your cat a home for life.
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Cat condos are great exercise for your cat. A cat towers is also great for the cat to lounge around on. Your cat deserves one right now.
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