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Preparing for a New Cat

Bringing a new cat or kitten into your home calls for some preparation! By planning and preparing before you bring your new family member into the house, you can ensure that both you and she are as comfortable and happy as possible.

Luckily, preparing for a cat is not difficult. You'll simply need to get some cat supplies, cat-proof your home and get an idea of what to expect in the first few weeks with your new pet.

Getting a New Cat

Before you start preparing for a cat, you'll want to know as much as possible about the type of cat that you're bringing into your family. You will want to research the different breeds and choose a cat that has the right temperament for your home.

If you have children, you'll need to get a cat that does well with children. You'll also need to take into consideration any other animals you have and the kind of lifestyle you lead.

You'll also want to make sure that you choose a healthy cat. Look for a cat that is alert, has shiny eyes, has a clean coat and that has a cool, damp nose.

Cat Supplies

Just like babies and children, cats of all ages need plenty of cat supplies in order to thrive in their new homes. Some of the supplies you will need include:

cat bed
cat food
cat toys
cat treats
collar and identification tag
food bowl
litter box, litter and litter scoop
scratching post
water bowl.

You should also have a cat carrier to bring your cat or kitten home safely. The carrier will also come in handy for trips to the vet.

Cat-Proofing Your Home

Before you bring a new cat or kitten into your home, you should definitely do a safety walk-through in order to discover anything that might be a danger to your new cat. For instance, you will need to:

Place any toxic or hazardous substances (cleaning materials, paint, etc.) in a place that your cat won't be able to access.

Remove or cover electrical cables that your cat could chew on.
Remove small objects that your cat could swallow and choke on.
Repair any holes in window screens, if you keep your windows open. Cats can easily slip or fall out of broken screens.
Repair gaps in your fence that your cat might be able to get through and become lost.
Tie up the cords on your blinds. A cat can become tangled in the cords and injure himself.

While kittens tend to be more inquisitive than older cats, you should cat-proof your home no matter what age of cat you'll be adopting. Cat-proofing can keep your cat happy and safe.

Getting a New Cat: What to Expect

You can expect your new cat or kitten to be a little unsure of things in his new home at first. Don't get upset if your cat finds a comfortable place to hide that makes him feel safe. Before long, he'll be out looking around and getting acquainted with you.

Make sure that you have plenty of fresh water and dry food out for your cat. Also, show the cat where the litter box is, as even very young kittens will use the litter box without being trained if they know its location.

Giving your cat time to adjust to his new home will be good for both of you. Building an affectionate bond with your cat takes time and will occur naturally as you get to know one another. Loving your cat and keeping him safe should be at the top of your list of priorities as you and your cat become comfortable with each other.

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