Bringing a cat home is like bringing a baby home. So naturally, you want it to be as easy as possible for the cat to adjust, so you must prepare everything you might need in advance. We've covered everything, from food and litter to toys.
If you're like me, you know that cats are one of the best pets in the world. Cats, like dogs or kittens, can be adorable, independent, and playful, but they also have unique personalities and preferences. While there's nothing wrong with bringing home a dog or a cat for the first time, it's still important to ensure your new furry friend has everything they need before moving into your home. So here are some essential pet supplies you should buy before bringing your cat home:
Food
Your cat will need a special diet. It's important to feed your cat the right amount and at the right times. Although it's tempting to give your kitty treats all day long, you should balance their regular meals with nutrients so they stay healthy. Learn to prepare their food properly to contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals for good health. However, you can also find several cat food products, which most vets recommend online. Royal Canin, Purina, Wellness, and Blue Buffalo cat food are some major cat food brands available in the market today.
Water & Food Bowl
Now that you've got a cat, it's time to set them up with food and water bowls. Cats are very particular about how they eat and drink and are not shy about telling you when they don't like something.
So what do you need? Cat and dog bowls for food. Also, keep one bowl separately for water if your kitty is prone to drinking from the toilet. If not, go ahead and skip the bowl entirely; cats prefer drinking straight out of aquariums.
Cat Bed
Cat and dog beds are places for your cat to sleep, rest, and play. If you want your cat to be comfortable in its new home and feel like it has its own space, then this is the essential thing you should buy before bringing a cat home.
A high-quality bed will be made of durable materials like memory foam or sheepskin and will have a removable cover that you can wash easily. Your feline friend needs a soft surface to lay on so it doesn't hurt their joints from laying down directly on the floor all day.
There are different beds, but most cats prefer elevated ones because they're easier to reach when getting onto them from standing positions.
Toys
Toys are an essential aspect of a cat's happiness. A good toy should engage the cat, whether for play or relaxation. Hence interactive cat toys are the best fit here. It should also be safe and durable. You want to ensure that your cat does not choke on a small object, so you need to keep an eye on what size toys you give her. Also, since cats' teeth are so sharp, you will have to watch out for toys with dangling strings or other parts that could get wrapped around her mouth and cause injury if swallowed. If your kitty is especially playful, try giving her plastic balls with bells inside for extra fun. Having a cat scratching post can also be a time-consuming toy for your cat to keep her engaged.
Now that we've covered safety precautions, let's talk about cleaning up after playing with our feline friends. Cats shed hair like no other animal; therefore, keeping their toys clean is key when thinking about how much fun they will have while playing with them. You can buy special cleaning solutions from pet stores, but many people choose to use water and soap since those tend not only cost less but also work fine.
Litter Box and Litter Scooper
The cat litter box and scoop are a must-have for any cat owner. The litter box is where your kitty goes to the bathroom, so it's important that you have one and that it's clean. A good rule of thumb is to clean the litter box daily with warm water and mild soap or use a cleaning solution designed specifically for cat waste.
No matter how good of a job you do, accidents will happen at keeping things tidy. That's why having a litter scoop on hand is also essential. This small but mighty tool can quickly fix any messes during an emergency cleanup session. They're made from lightweight plastic. They won't weigh down your bag or purse while traveling, either.
Grooming Essentials
Grooming essentials are a must-have for any cat owner. You will need a brush and comb, a lint roller, and cat shampoo to keep your furball clean and happy.
Treats like Temptations cat treats are useful not only for positive reinforcement but also to help your cat stay healthy. In addition, catnip treats provide a gentle sedative effect that can help calm an anxious cat.
Harness and Leash
There are lots of cat owners who have never used a cat harness and leash before. A harness, as opposed to a collar, is not just safer for your cat but also more comfortable and secure.
A harness is a great alternative to a collar for its safety features. If you have ever had an accident in which your cat was run over by a car or attacked by another animal, then you should consider getting one because it will ensure that this doesn't happen again. It is also easier to put on and take off than collars, so you won't spend all day trying desperately to get it on without hurting yourself or your pet. The last thing we want is to have our new pet get injured right away because we couldn't handle putting on his/her clothing properly.
Harnesses come in many different styles and colors, so something should be available for everyone. Some even come with bells attached, making noise whenever they move around freely outside the house.
Medicines
To keep your cat healthy and happy, you'll want to make sure you have the following medications on hand:
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Flea & Tick Control. These topical treatments can be applied directly to your pet's skin and will kill any fleas or ticks on them within 24 hours. While many different brands are available, we suggest using Frontline Plus because it is safe for kittens as young as eight weeks old and works for up to three months at a time.
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Antibiotic Ointment. Cats often get scrapes or cuts from playing with other cats in the house, so having an antibiotic for cats can save you some worry when they do happen. There are many different types available; however, we prefer Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment because it contains polymyxin B sulfate, which provides an extra boost against bacteria while providing soothing relief of pain at the same time!
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Ear Mite Treatment Shampoo. If your cat has ear mites, this shampoo is one of our favorites because it clears up symptoms such as itching/scratching within 24 hours after use. Just apply daily until symptoms clear up. Though if needed, repeat every three days until all signs disappear completely.
Your Cat Needs Things to Take Care of It.
You first need to know that cats are very particular about their surroundings. They like a clean environment and need things to keep themselves occupied, so you must get the right equipment for your cat. You can do this either by buying it new or second-hand, but make sure you'll be getting something that will last and won't just break down after a few uses.
If you're looking at buying something new, think about what kind of material it's made from, how much space there is between the bars, and if it has any toys attached or dangling from inside so your cat can play with them when bored, etc. Your vet will also be able to advise on what type of bedding/litter tray works best for different types of cats too.
We hope the above list helped you understand what you need to do before bringing home a cat. We know that it can be difficult and stressful, but with all these things in mind, we're sure everything will go smoothly.
