6 Things You Need Before Bringing Home a New Cat

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Cats offer great company, and you may want to get one. Before you bring your new cat home, you need to have several things. There are things that your cat will need for it to feel comfortable. As you look forward to spending time with your new cat, ensure you have a checklist of the essential items. There are various things you need before bringing home a new cat.

1. Cat Carrier

You will need a cat carrier to carry your new cat home. Your cat needs to be comfortable as you transport it home. You might get a simple cat carrier from the vet. However, it would be best to get a cat carrier with screened opening for your cat to see outside as you transport it. Also, getting a cat carrier that has a top-loading will make it easy for you to open, and put your cat inside the carrier, then close it. It will be easier than getting the cat in the carrier through a door since the cat might be scared to get inside the carrier.

2. Food, Water, and Bowls

Food and water are essential for your cat, and you need a food and water bowl. Most cats dislike having water and food in the same bowl. It would be best if you get ceramic bowls for your new cat. Plastic bowls may cause chin rash in your cat. Ensure the food and water bowls are clean before you get your new cat home since cats are playful. The bowls should have a weighted bottom to avoid tipping. Place the food and water bowl far from the litter box since cats dislike eating and peeing in the same area.

3. Litter Box

As you plan to bring a new cat home, ensure you get a litter box. Your cat will need a place to poo and pee. There are several litter boxes, and your cat's age determines the size you choose. You will need a big litter box if it is a grown cat. Your cat will often play with the litter, and when you get a small litter box, it will scratch and pour the litter outside. If it is a kitten, get a smaller litter box to make it easy for the cat to climb inside.

4. Vet Appointment

You need to bring a healthy cat home, which is why you need a vet's appointment. Before you get your new cat home, ensure you have a vet appointment and get your cat vaccinated and tested on various diseases. Also, it would help shop around for affordable pet insurance to save you money and ensure that your cat can have regular vet visits for check-ups. You need to know if your new cat has any medical conditions so that you get medication for it. Also, your cat needs to test negative for various diseases before taking it home to avoid transmission of diseases to your household.

5. Toys

Cats are playful, and you will need toys when you bring a new cat home. When you have toys, your cat will be playing with them and avoid behaviors like scratching unnecessarily. Ensure you have a variety of toys for your cat to keep it stimulated. Balls can be the best toy because cats love pouncing. Also, get safe toys that will not hurt your cat. Cats eat anything, so you will need to buy toys that do not have small removable parts. You should not get toys with feathers, rings, or bells because the cat can remove and eat them, which might cause choking.

6. Scratching Post

Cats will always have the urge to scratch. Therefore, you need to make it easier by getting a scratching post. You can get either a simple or a fancy scratching post. If you are good at doing it yourself, you can make a scratching post at home. Ensure the scratching post is stable enough to avoid tipping, and let it be the cat's height so that the cat can easily scratch when standing on hind legs. If possible, you can buy an attractive scratching post with a catnip scent that will attract your cat.

Closing Thoughts

Your new cat needs to feel at home when it gets to your place. Get the essential items to ensure you have a good welcome for your new cat.