Cats are the second most popular pets in United States households, coming only after dogs. But that’s not by accident or coincidence.
Studies have shown that owning a cat may offer several health and wellness benefits.
Like most household pets, cats can provide loyal companionship and contribute to stress reduction. Some findings also suggest that living with these furballs may improve your cardiovascular functions and even help in detecting life-threatening medical conditions, such as cancer and seizures.
However, welcoming a new cat home requires adequate preparation. Even if you’ve owned a kitto before, the experience is always unique with every adoption.
Here’s a new cat checklist to help your feline friend settle into his newfound home.
1. Start with a Budget
There are plenty of reputable pet breeders where you can find your desired kitten.
Some facilities offer Maine coon kittens for sale $300, making them a top recommendation if you’re looking for an exotic cat breed on a budget.
That said, it’s prudent to set a reasonable budget before checking into a cat breeder. Consider expenses like transportation and initial vaccinations while computing the actual kitten adoption costs.
2. Inform Everyone
You need no one’s consent to adopt a cat if you live by yourself.
But if you come from a rather large household, ensure everyone else is aware of your intentions to bring a kitten home.
Even if you don’t necessarily require their approval, informing your housemates prepares them psychologically for the impending addition to the family.
3. Secure Your Electrical Cords
Kittens are cute and adorable. However, they can also be overly adventurous if ill-trained or under stimulated.
The conventional wisdom is to house-train a new kitten as soon as you bring it home. But before then, secure your electrical cables to prevent your feline friend from chewing on them.
Not only does tying up electrical cords minimize undue damage to these critical attachments, but it also enhances your kitten’s safety by preventing them from getting their paws stuck in the cables.
4. Protect Your Furniture
Kittens spend a significant portion of their day lazing on your couch. Whether they’re lounging alone or cuddling with you, take the necessary precautions to protect your furniture.
New kittens are particularly playful and won’t mind fraying your furniture’s fabrics at the slightest opportunity. Getting the animal proper toys and scratching posts can help redirect this energy.
Remember to also spread furniture covers and apply scent deterrents if necessary. As a long-term solution, keep your kitten’s claws trimmed at all times.
5. Grab Cat Toys
Toys provide a fantastic way to stimulate your kitten. The best cat toys can offer a positive distraction, helping to redirect aberrant behaviors.
While options abound, insist on interactive cat toys like feather wands, lasers, and feeder puzzles. Good practice is to have something from each category.
Remember a scratching post, too.
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch. Without a scratching post, your new kitten may be forced to fulfill this need on your furniture.
Although most cats prefer vertical scratches, it’s best to have a collection of horizontal posts too.
Note that cats typically stretch when they wake up. That makes their bedside the perfect spot to place a scratching post.
6. Get a Litter Box
A litter box is a critical investment if you plan on litter training your new kitten.
Pick a litter box that’s large enough for an adult cat to freely turn around in. Fifteen inches is the ideal litter box width, although the actual size will depend on your cat’s breed.
After buying a suitable litter box, place it in a secure and private spot. Low traffic areas like the bathroom and laundry room are highly recommended.
7. Buy Your Kitto A Comfy Bed
Choose a bed that’s comfortable for your kitten, paying keen attention to height and bedding upholstery. Like a litter box, the bed would need to be set in a dedicated area.
Avoid noisy environments, such as the kitchen and living room. Instead, consider elevated spots like window perches.
High elevations provide your kitten with a vantage point from which to view the outdoors and a safety zone whenever they feel threatened by other pets.
8. Don’t Forget the Introductions
When it comes to cat introductions, do it gently.
Give your new kitten the freedom to roam around his space without feeling threatened. Allow the cat to scent-mark his individual items – toys, bedding, and litter box, etc.
When introducing your new kitten to resident pets, restrict physical interactions for a couple of days. The animals can sniff each other’s presence and even be present in the exact general location simultaneously. However, avoid contact until they’re visibly comfortable being around each other.
Wrap Up
Preparing your home for a cat entails providing the animal with an enriching environment where it can freely play, prowl, and interact with other house pets. It also involves offering the new addition to your family safe hiding spots where he can retreat to whenever he feels threatened.
Following these pointers can be a significant step towards preparing for a long companionship with your new feline friend.
As a parting shot, always insist on adopting a kitten from a licensed and highly reputable breeder. Ask for the relevant documentation and check that your desired kitty is up to date on all essential vaccinations.
Besides, research the animal’s physical attributes, behavioral traits, and genetic predispositions. This information is critical in planning the animal’s exercise and nutritional needs.