Are you adding a new furry friend to the family? Let’s go through what you need to know when you’re new to the joys of cat ownership.
Few things in life are as exciting as getting a new pet. If you’re a cat person, this means getting a new cat, whether it’s a kitten or an adult cat you’ve adopted.
However, before you dive headfirst into pet ownership, there are a few things you should know to ensure the health and safety of your new cat. Moreover, the more prepared you are for cat ownership, the easier your life will be with your furry friend.
We want to help. Keep reading for our top tips on what to do before and after you get a new cat.
Start Potty Training
One of the most important steps of cat ownership is potty training. Pet waste is not something you want to be left in various places around your home. Cat urine and feces outside of the litter box can lead to horrible odors, ruined carpets, and more.
The sooner your new cat learns where to eliminate waste, the better. Before bringing the cat home, we suggest preparing at least one litter box in a convenient, easily accessible location.
Take Care of Food and Water
Another important detail to take care of before you bring your cat home is food and water. Your cat needs a reliable food and water source to be happy.
Make sure you put it them a place where you’ll see them every day. This will help you remember to refill your cat’s food and water.
You should also do a little research to find the best types of food for your particular cat. This is especially important if you get a kitten or a cat with special needs.
Invest in a Good Cat Scratch Post and Toys
While cats are likely to sleep 12-16 hours a day, they spend their time awake running around and playing. Kittens can be especially reckless and destructive. To keep your sanity and maintain the sanctity of your home, it would be wise to invest in cat toys to entertain your new pet.
You’ll also want to provide a scratching post to ensure they have an object to claw and scratch. Otherwise, your new cat is likely to use your furniture for the same purpose.
Make Sure Your Home is Cat-Ready
Lastly, you should take the time to prepare your home for cat ownership. While we’ve already talked about toys and litter boxes, there are other things to consider. For example, cats are known for getting onto countertops and bookshelves and knocking things down.
You should make sure you limit the number of breakable items vulnerable to a cat’s natural curiosity and propensity for destruction. You should also think about things like curtains, furniture, hanging clothes, and more.
Finally, consider what you want to do about outdoor time. It may be a good idea to install a cat fence outdoor. These allow you to let your cat out without worrying about them getting lost, chased by neighborhood dogs, hit by cars, etc.
Are You Prepared for Cat Ownership?
If you’re getting ready to get a new furry friend, we recommend taking the time to make sure you’re completely prepared for cat ownership. After that’s taken care of, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your new pet.
And if you’re looking for more helpful advice and information, be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go. Our blog is full of valuable content for people like you.
