Getting your first cat can be a fun and fulfilling experience that brings you a lot of joy. However, a lot of first-time cat owners do not know what to expect when they bring home their first furry feline friend.
Owning a cat is a big responsibility that should be taken seriously. The happiness and well being of your four-legged friend will be largely dependent on you and your actions.
Before you bring your first cat home for the first time, you need to ensure that you have all of the supplies required to meet the needs of your feline companion. Being properly prepared with all of the required items will make it much easier for your cat to adjust into their new environment.
What Your First Cat Needs
Basic Cat Supplies You’ll Need When Bringing Home Your Cat
Some of the basic items that you will need to have before you bring home a cat include essential pet supplies. The following is a small list of the basic items you will need to provide your new cat.
Litter Box
For your cat’s private needs
You may think that any old plastic pan will suffice as a litter box, but you would be mistaken. Much like people, cats like to have as much privacy as possible when using the bathroom. Consider investing in a hooded litter box to provide your cat a place to relieve themselves that is out of sight and out of mind.
Plus, a hooded litter box will prevent your cat from accidentally making messes outside of the litter box. When it comes to litter boxes, there are tons of options to consider. The best advice to follow when picking out a litter box is to choose one that is easy to keep clean but still provides your cat with some privacy.
Cat Litter
Tofu, Silica, Paper, Clay, Wood, Corn cob?
Once you get a litter box, you will need litter. There are generally 5 different kinds of cat litter on the market, which can make it difficult to figure out which type is the best.
Clumping cat litter is by far the most popular option. You should consider the firmness, shape, size, and overall appearance of a litter before making a final decision on what is best for your cat. Sometimes, you may have to pay a bit more price wise in order to get the litter that is the best for your cat.
Choosing the Right Cat Litter for Your Furry Feline Friend
Scratching Post
A Cat’s Manicure
To keep their claws maintained and comfortable, your new cat will need a scratching post. Providing your cat with a scratching post not only gives them a way to sharpen their claws, but it will also protect your furniture and walls from being scratched by your cat.
A scratching post not only helps your cats with their claws, but also provides them with a way to stretch and exercise their muscles. Besides providing enrichment, your cat will have a fun place to climb and play.
Cat Toys
For the Kitten in Them
You might think that cat toys are frivolous items, but you would be amazed by how much enrichment and interaction your cat needs. Choose cat toys that are interactive and rewarding, such as a cat puzzle toy.
The key thing to remember when picking out cat toys is that you should always be sure that there are no small items that could easily be removed from the cat toy because they can be choking hazards.
Opt for toys that will spark the natural curiosity of your feline companion, like timed laser toys. Choose toys that you can use to interact with your cat to create a stronger and more playful bond.
Cat Toys For Your Cat’s Entertainment
Collar and ID Tags
Locating a lost cat
Before you decide to bring home your first cat, you should try to have a collar and identification tags prepared for them. To ensure the collar fits right, insert two fingers between your cat’s throat and their collar – difficulty in doing so means the collar is too tight.
A cat without a collar and proper identification tags can easily become lost for good if they manage to slip away from you. The identification tags should clearly have your address and contact information so that if your cat is lost, it can be returned safely. Feel free to add your cat’s name to the identification tags.
Microchip
Mandatory In Singapore
Cats are quick and sly animals that can slip outside before you even notice. That is why it is important to have a microchip inserted into your pet. Besides, it’s the law that both cats and dogs in Singapore have to be microchipped.
The procedure of microchipping is carried out relatively quickly at your local vet. Your cat should not suffer from any major pain or discomfort during the procedure.
This simple and quick procedure can greatly increase the chances of reuniting you with your cat if they should ever become lost. Lost animals with microchips implanted in them are fifty percent more likely to be reunited with their owners. Most microchips are the size of a grain of rice and will not harm your pet in any way.
Grooming Tools
Essential Grooming
Cats naturally groom themselves, which is a nice perk of having a feline friend. However, brushing your cat with a fine-toothed comb can be a great way to bond with your cat, especially if you are bringing home a kitten.
Not all cats are Ok with being combed or brushed, but you can try to encourage your cat to let you try. You will definitely need to purchase nail clippers for your new cat.
Clipping your cat’s nails can be a daunting task, but if you start doing it regularly when they are kittens, you should experience fewer problems. Cats don’t require baths very often, but you should invest in some flea and tick shampoo to have handy.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Treatments
Pest Problems and Prevention
When you bring home a new cat, you should be sure to have the proper flea, tick, and heartworm treatments ready for them. Fleas can make your cat miserable, and ticks can carry serious diseases.
There are multiple treatment options for cats of different sizes to choose from.
Heartworms are a common problem that people don’t always consider when bringing home a new cat.
Research all of your options to see which treatment options suit your cat the best.
How To Prevent & Treat Flea, Ticks, & Other Parasite Infestations in Cats and Dogs
Cat Carrier
Transporting your Feline Friend
Your cat will need to go back and forth to the vet on occasions, which means that you will need a way to transport them safely. Most cats do not travel well.
An enclosed cat carrier can provide your cat with a safe environment to travel from one destination to another.
The enclosed space will help your cat feel secure, but you need to make sure your cat has ample room to move around. Opt for a heavy-duty plastic carrier with a strong and secure latch that has a screened opening.
Beds
For The Purr-fect nap
Cats are notorious for sleeping wherever they want to, but it is always a good idea to provide your cat with their own bed in an area that allows them to feel safe and secure.
Food Containers and Water Bowls
Extremely Important Issue for Cat Owners
Your cat needs a designated area to eat and drink. Some cats are allergic to plastic bowls and ceramic bowls can break easily.
Stainless steel bowls for food and water are suggested, but the choice is up to you.
You should consider investing in an automatic feeder and fountain if you are often away from home for long periods of time.
Cats that dislike drinking are more likely to enjoy drinking from a fountain as the water is cleaner and fresher.
Cat Food
Palatability Or Quantity
There are countless options when it comes to cat food options. The type of food you need to get for your cat depends on a number of different factors. Kittens, for example, require food that is high in protein and dense in nutrients.
Although adult cats have fewer nutritional demands than kittens, they still need healthy food to stay strong. Wet food is generally popular as it is high in moisture and more palatable, but not as economical as dry food.
Pick a brand that uses all-natural ingredients like meat and vegetables. Try to avoid cat foods that are made with by-products or cornmeal. Cats are naturally carnivorous and need meat to thrive. A good cat food should contain enough quality meats for your cat’s protein needs.
The health of your cat greatly depends on what type of food you feed them. You may have to spend a little more money on quality food, but your cat will thank you for it. To learn more about how to choose the best cat food, you will need to learn more about your cat’s individual needs, as well as her preferences.
Choosing The Best Cat Food