So, you’ve decided to welcome a furry little overlord into your home. Congratulations! Owning a cat is like having a tiny roommate who occasionally thinks the couch is their personal throne.
But before you dive headfirst into this exciting adventure, let’s talk about the essential supplies every new cat owner should have. Trust me; you’ll want to be well-prepared for all the purring and mischief that awaits!
The Basics: Food and Water Essentials
First things first—your new feline friend needs to eat! You can’t just toss them a slice of pizza and call it dinner (though I’m pretty sure they would try).
Investing in high-quality cat food is crucial for your kitty’s health. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options out there, but I think it’s best to consult your vet for recommendations tailored to your cat’s age and dietary needs.
Now, onto water! Cats are notorious for not drinking enough, which can lead to kidney issues down the line.
To combat this, consider getting a pet water fountain. Not only do cats find moving water more appealing (because they’re fancy like that), but it also encourages hydration.
Plus, watching them bat at the flowing stream can provide hours of entertainment—who knew hydration could be so much fun?
Let’s see what else we need on our shopping list. A set of food bowls is essential too! Opt for stainless steel or ceramic dishes instead of plastic ones; they’re easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria. And while we’re at it, don’t forget about treats!
They’ll come in handy when you want to bribe your cat into doing something ridiculous—like taking a bath or wearing a silly costume.
Litter Box Logistics
Ah yes, the litter box—the magical portal where all sorts of delightful surprises occur. Choosing the right litter box might seem straightforward until you realize there are more options than flavors at an ice cream shop!
Most experts recommend starting with an uncovered box; many cats prefer it that way because they like feeling secure while doing their business.
Speaking of which, let’s talk about litter itself! There are clumping litters, non-clumping litters, crystal litters—you name it!
My advice? Experiment until you find one that suits both you and your feline friend. Just remember: if your cat decides to stage a protest by using your favorite houseplant as their bathroom instead… well, let’s just say that won’t end well.
To make cleaning easier—and trust me; you will be cleaning—a scoop is essential. Look for one with sturdy construction because if there’s anything worse than stepping in cat litter barefoot (which I strongly advise against), it’s dealing with a flimsy scoop when trying to manage those “deposits.”
And don’t forget some disposable bags or containers for waste disposal unless you’re keen on turning your trash bin into an olfactory nightmare.
Comfort Items: Beds and Scratching Posts
I think it’s clear that we have already addressed feeding and litter box considerations, so let’s move on to comfort items such as beds and scratching posts.
Cats take love comfy spots to retire after a good play time or a meal aka after a good 5 minute nap because rest also makes them aggressive for attention. Good beds will allow them to have their own territory without taking over yours.
But hold on, did I hear scratching? If you have been a victim of a couch or a wall being scratched out of boredom (let’s just say my couch hasn’t fully bounced back from the ordeal), then you’ll know how crucial a scratching post can be.
These are not mere blocks of wood, oh no. Rather, there are tons of varieties — from high-rises that look like condos for kittens to simple claw mats. I mean it’s a literal dream!
Unaffected, inasmuch as scratching probably is for some cats, I can scratch out a plan where such boredom can lead to a climactic adventure. Get multi-layered towers to provide them with horizontal lounging surfaces and vertical space, all the while protecting the furniture.
Health Care Essentials: Vet Visits & First Aid Kits
And last but certainly not the least, it could be argued that this are crucial factors of your cat’s health care! Vaccinations and check ups are essential for maintaining a cat, and what says otherwise ‘I love my cat’. Furthermore, letting pet doctors build relationships with pets is a good start.
If you’re one of those who has a pet, it would be in your better interest to make an emergency kit that’s pet friendly – It would lessen the degree of chaos. Include small bandages and antiseptic wipes that can be used to heal animal rub wounds, for the love of God don’t cover them up with Neosporin.
Also? Always remember flea control measures! Invasion of your cherished bald headed pet by irritating bugs ruining cuddle time would not be as funny.
Conclusion
To sum up, being ready as a first time cat owner entails getting these basic things ready in advance so both you and your furry barrel can have pleasant coexistence oh well maybe you can stand each other!
Suggested Resources:
How To Care for Your Cat
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-care-your-cat
Essential Cat Supplies Checklist
https://www.pawschicago.org/cat-supplies-checklist/
Caring For Your New Cat
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/new-cat-owner-guide