Owning a cat is a rewarding experience that will bring an abundance of happiness to your family. However, you will need to make sure that you outfit your home with the proper essentials. Here are five things that every cat owner needs in their home.
Cat Carrier or Crate
Even if you do not travel frequently with your cat, there will be times when you need to transport them to different places. A dedicated cat carrier or crate makes it easy to take your cat on essential errands such as visits to the veterinarian.
Look for a carrier with a sturdy exterior. You do not want your cat to be able to claw its way out. Good choices include a plastic carrier that is equipped with a locking door so that they cannot escape. A removable mesh door is another good feature to have in your cat carrier as it will deliver plenty of ventilation while also keeping the animal secure. If your cat acts anxious about getting in the carrier, you may want to keep a calming spray on hand so you can spray it inside the corner of the crate.
Food and Supplies
It goes without saying that you will need the right type of food for your cat. If you are adopting a cat from a shelter, it is recommended to stick with the same type of food that they were eating before to make the transition easier. Beyond that, there are a number of different types of food that you can experiment with to find the right fit for your feline.
In addition to the actual food, you need the appropriate supplies to dispense this nourishment. This includes a bowl for both the food and water. These bowls need to be cleaned and filled daily. They should also be located at a different location than the litter box because most cats do not like to eat near the place where they relieve themselves.
Litter Box
There is no shortage of styles of litter boxes to choose from when shopping for your cat. A self-cleaning litter box includes a feature that rakes the dirty litter after the cat has gone to the bathroom. This type of mechanism can often scare some cats, making it not right for every animal.
If you have a bigger cat, you are going to need to choose an extra large litter box. Choosing a litter box that is tall will help to prevent annoying spillage issues. For extra easy cleanup, be sure to find a box that allows you to simply swap out liners. This will take the hassle out of the task of having to clean a dirty litter box.
Scratching Posts and Toys
Cats have an innate urge to scratch. This makes a scratching post an invaluable addition to your home. You will need to find a post that has a sturdy base so that it does not easily tip over and potentially injure the cat. Be sure to choose a post that is as tall as the cat so that the hind legs can properly stretch when scratching.
Along with a scratching post, it is a good idea to keep some targeted cat toys on hand. Balls and toy mice filled with catnip are good choices for cats that like to pounce on their toys. Some cats also enjoy crawl toys that include tunnels to explore.
Collar and Identification Tag
Even if you plan on keeping your cat indoors at all times, these sneaky felines can often escape to the outside. Do not wait to make sure that your cat has a proper collar and identification tag. The tag should include your name, address, and telephone number. You will feel better if your cat gets lost knowing that they are properly tagged.
The collar needs to fit properly so that it does not bother your cat or hinder their breathing or swallowing. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck.
Having these five essentials ready to go before you bring your new cat home will make for an easier transition process. The only thing left to do will be to sit back and enjoy the new addition to your family.
