The Most Important Cat Stuff to Be Equipped with When Welcoming a New Kitty

Raising a new kitten in your home is both a challenging and rewarding experience. So, whether you’re still considering getting a cat or you already are raising a fuzzy little bundle of joy, you probably want to be the best pet parent you can. And for that purpose, you should definitely be equipped beforehand with some supplies. It’s best to have all cat stuff ready before the first time your kitty enters the house because she should be able to start exploring and get used to all the new things as soon as possible.

Crate or a Cat Carrier

The first thing that you should make sure you have prior to your fuzzy friend’s coming home is either a cat carrier or a crate. You will need these because you want to have something to take your new friend home in. When shopping for cat stuff, make sure you choose one that’s safe and sturdy with plenty of ventilation and easy access for you. Preferably one that features a rigid exterior with a removable mesh door that can be used as a carrier or sleeper. The carrier you get should come with a locking door on the front that’s sturdy enough and provides the right amount of accessibility. For better comfort, it’s a good idea to cover the bottom with a towel or another piece of soft material before placing your kitty inside.

Food and Water Bowls

When your cat arrives home, you should have food and water bowls waiting for her. Having clean and inviting food and water bowls is essential, and if you are the extremely pre-cautious type, you can also buy water bowls with a filter that helps remove impurities. Make sure the bowls you buy are convenient to use and can be easily cleaned. Also, the bottoms of the bowls should be weighted to avoid tipping. If you’ve adopted a kitten and not a bigger cat, your best bet is buying smaller, shallower bowls designed specifically for kittens. The bowls should be cleaned every day and placed far from the litter box, as cats don’t like to eat and relieve themselves in the same location.

Litter Box

There is a wide range of styles of litter boxes on the market today. Buying a self-cleaning litter box that has a mechanism which rakes the dirty litter after your cat has used the box is a great idea. However, these boxes can be a bit more expensive than most cat owners would want to spend, and sometimes their mechanism can frighten the cat.

Another option is getting a hooded litter box – these have a tall cover that is meant to give the kitten some privacy. They are also great in hiding the mess that’s often found in litter boxes and can be of great help in keeping litter from being tossed over the edge of the box and onto the floor. However, some cats get easily scared of the hood and don’t want to use a litter box that is enclosed.

The third option you have when it comes to buying a cat litter box is a plain plastic box with kitty litter inside. Many cat owners prefer this simpler option as it is also the most affordable one, but it does require some upkeep. The right litter can go a long way when introducing a new cat into your home, so make sure you choose the option that will be the safest and most convenient for your new pal.

Cat Bed

Although many cats will happily fall asleep anywhere, your new kitty will be much happier if she had her own napping spot. When buying cat stuff, look for a bed that’s warm and soft for the ultimate comfort. Also, when deciding on the location, place it in a spot that makes your cat feel comfortable and safe. Models whose fabric can trap kitty dander and come in a variety of styles such as loungers and sacks are absolutely a great choice. As for the size, make sure it is large enough for your fuzzy bud to lay down in and have some room to stretch, but small enough to make her feel secure.

Toys

Cats just love playing, so to make yours happy, you’ll need to buy a variety of fun and safe toys. Pouncing is one of the most favourite activities of cats, so balls and catnip-filled mice are great options. To avoid the danger of your cat choking on a piece of a toy, do not buy toys that have small parts that can be easily torn off and taken apart, such as feathers, bells, or pom-poms. Before buying, make sure you carefully examine each toy to determine whether it is safe for your cat.

Collar and ID Tag

To ensure that your new pal stays safe, she should wear a collar with an ID tag at all times. The tag should typically include your name, home address, and telephone number. As for the collar, it is recommendable that it has an automatic release that will disengage in case your cat gets stuck on something, like a tree branch. Make sure the collar you choose is the right fit for your cat and it won’t irritate her neck or affect her swallowing or breathing. As a general rule of thumb, there should be about two fingers of free space between the collar and the neck to ensure the fit is alright.

Food

There is a great range of cat foods on the market you can choose from today. Your best bet is, if possible, to find out what type of food the breeder, shelter, or pet store was feeding your cat before you got her and stick to the same diet for a while. During her first few weeks, she will be adjusting to so many things at her new home and keeping her diet the same may be a much-needed comfort to her. The type of food you give to your new cat will also depend on her age: kittens need to stick to a special diet and senior cats may also need a diet that’s formulated specifically for seniors.