How to Care for Your New Cat

Are you thinking about adopting a new cat?

Well if you are, you came to the right place.

Cat’s are naturally curious animals, so they will get anywhere and everywhere in their new home.

What do you even need for a new cat?

Believe it or not, it takes a little bit of planning to prepare your home for cats.

You will also want to make sure you supply your new friend with the proper supplies to make his/her experience the greatest!

Let’s take a look at some tips of just what it will take to prepare for your new pet.

5 Tips to Care for Your New Cat

Tip 1. Prepare Your Home

Your cat will be curious about its new surroundings, so it will be important to cat-proof your entire place.

Remove any flowers and house plans you may have that could potentially toxic to your cat.

It may sound funny, but use child safety locks wherever you store cleaning supplies.

You don’t want your cat getting into anything poisonous.

Above that, secure any electric cords and keep cords from your window blinds out of reach of your cat. Finally, use safety plugs in your outlets and secure window screens, in case your cat gets a little extra curious.

Tip 2. Supplies

Once you have your place cat proofed, the next important part of being a new cat owner is supplying your cat with the right things.

First, you will want to get your cat some fun cat toys he or she can play with, along with a cat bed, and a scratching post and have them set up before your bring your new friend home.

To prepare ahead of time, there are a few more practical supplies you will need for your cat.

First you will need a cat carrier, for when you travel with your cat.

Second, you want to provide flea and tick prevention, especially if you plan to let your cat outside.

Finally, you will want to have grooming tools, a cat toothbrush and toothpaste to take care of your cat’s hygiene.

Tip 3. Feeding Your Cat

When you prepare to feed your new cat, you should use ceramic, or stainless steel water and food bowls.

They are easier to clean and are better for pets.

When you first feed your cat, be sure to use the same food that he/she has already been eating so your cat doesn’t get an upset
stomach.

In the case that you do decide to change the food your cat is eating, make it a slow transition of up to 7-10 days. This will allow your cat’s stomach to adjust to the new food, without much upset.

Tip 4. Your Cat’s Toiletry Supplies

Before you get a new cat, there are additional toiletry supplies you should have prepared before bringing your new furry friend home.

The supplies you will need will be a litter box, litter mat, litter scoop, litter disposal system, and litter to fill the litter box.

Before purchasing litter, find out what your new cat is used to.

If your cat is a kitten, you will have nothing to worry about.

Then depending on how many cats you have, you will have to think about how many litter boxes you need.

A good rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one additional box.

Tip 5. Keep Your Cat Gated Up

Initially, when you bring your cat home, you should keep him/her in one room with all the supplies he/she needs.

The ​Meow Foundation​ says, “A safe starter room or sanctuary for the new cat will provide the cat with the quiet and safety s/he needs while becoming familiar with the scents and sounds of your home”.

From there, you should allow him to adjust to the new surroundings, people and other pets that may be present.

If you do have other pets, be sure to introduce them slowly. You don’t know how they will react to a new visitor, so you don’t want to rush things (see this article on how to introduce new pets).

Then within the first week of your cat adjusting to its new surroundings, schedule a vet visit to talk about vaccinations, neutering, and proper nutrition.

In most cases, you can also ask for care tips specific to your cat.

Final Thoughts on Caring for a New Cat

Although it will take some work to prepare for your new furry friend, have fun with it!

Go all out if you want, for a lot of people a pet is not just a pet, it’s a family member.

Just remember, even though you have the essential supplies and everything lined up for your new cat’s arrival, it will take time for it to adjust to the new surroundings.

With that said your cat will also be curious about its surroundings, so it will be checking everything out.

After following these tips, I’m sure you will have no problems with your curious new cat getting into anything it’s not supposed to be in.