How do I prepare myself for a cat?

The decision to own a cat is not a light one to make.  It took me at least a couple of years to finally get one.  I read up on cats so much and watched all the cat shows I could find. After that, I felt like it was time to get a cat.

The key thing to keep in mind is that you need to bring your new friend to a place where they feel safe, comfy, and loved.  Here are some guidelines to help you create this positive environment. 

What breed of cat should I get?

If this is your first cat, you might want to think about the kind of cat you’d like. Research which breed best matches your preferences.  If you’re not sure what you’d like, think about the following questions:

• Do I want a cat that has a lot of energy or one that is more relaxed?
• Do I want a cat that requires a lot of grooming or not so much?
• Do I want a male or a female?
• Do I want a cat that is super vocal or more on the quiet side?
• Do I want a cat that is kid friendly?

Your answers can help you choose which breed is better for your lifestyle and preferences.  For me, I picked Kitty because I wanted a female, with short hair. I wanted one with cool stripes.   I also needed a cat that is ok being the only cat in the home.

Things you’ll need before or soon after your cat comes home:

What food should I feed my cat and in what?

I have to admit I knew nothing about what or how much to feed my cat when I picked her up from the shelter.  Luckily, I was sent home with a small bag of dry food and a couple of cans of wet food to get me started. 

It’s usually better to hold off on getting the food until you talk to the previous care takers.  Switching to new food is a process which happens over a few a weeks usually so it’s better to keep the same diet at first. If you found your cat, the vet should be able to provide this information.  Otherwise, most food packaging will have guidelines based on weight. 

When it comes to the plate or bowl, it’s best to get a stainless steel container.  Some plastic ones might contain toxins that are harmful to you little friend. Finally, I’ve mentioned this in some of my other articles.  A stainless steel water fountain is always better than a little water bowl.  The flowing water from a fountain is much more enticing.

What litter box and litter should I get?

Finding the right litter box and litter can be a process for some cats. They might be picky about the box’s size, where it’s located, or the litter’s smell. You might want a litter with a pleasant smell to cover up odours. But, it might cause your cat to use something other than the litter box, which is even worse. 

For most cats, if you keep the litter box clean and filled with fresh litter, you shouldn’t have any problems.  Please check out this article if you’d like to know more on litter boxes.

How can I make my cat feel comfortable?

Cats love to nap, and they love a good cozy spot in the sun. Having many resting options for your feline friend can make a big difference. It makes them feel loved. Cat trees, perches, and fluffy cat beds are examples of the kinds of furniture you can get. Wall mounted kitty shelves are also fun for them since they like to observe the room from higher up. Some kitties startle more easily than others. So, a cat condo for them to hide in is another way to keep your cat feeling comfortable and safe.

To give you an idea,  here’s what I have for my cat, I have a tall cat tree in front of my living room window.  I also have a little cat perch with perfect view of the front door.  Then I have 4 little cat beds in various places where she like to lay down.  I usually move those around as she find new spots to nap in. 

What toys should I get for my cat?

Playtime with your pet helps strengthen your bond. Toys can keep them stimulated and meet their hunting needs. This stops them from showing unwanted behaviour out of boredom. Having a variety of toys helps. You can rotate them to keep your cat interested.  For more on cat toys click here.

What else should I keep in mind?

It’s important to see the vet at least once a year to make sure your cat is in good health and up to date on vaccinations. It is recommended to microchip your pets, especially if you intend to let them go outside.  This will make finding them much easier.

You will need to get a cat carrier to bring them home in.  You can get one that’s either made of hard plastic or one that’s more like a bag.  If you have a hard plastic carrier, a little mat can prevent you fur baby from sliding around.  It will also make your cat feel more cozy.

Bring your cat home in style and comfort in this spacious carrier

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My final piece of advice is to be patient as your new friend adjusts to their new environment.  They don’t understand punishment.   A better option is to reward and praise them for good behaviour. They are way more responsive to love and a pet on the head or a delicious treat than to the spray from a water bottle or a loud.  Good luck, you’ve got this!