What Supplies Do You Need for Your New Cat?

Posted by Jeanne on December 17, 2008

Any time you choose to get a new pet, you need to make sure that you have everything you will need to take care of that pet. Cats need certain things. Before you get your cat or kitten, you might want to make sure they have everything they need before they come to your home.

Below is a list of the different materials you will need to make a home for your cat. The list is followed in more detail as to what you need to consider with each item.

• Food bowl
• Cat food
• Water bowl
• Litter box
• Litter box materials
• Cat bed
• Scratching post
• Cat carrier
• Cat toys
• Cat leash
• Cat collar
• Cat harness
• Grooming tools

Although these seem like simple items, there are certain things to consider before you go out and buy the most expensive of everything.

Your Cat Must Eat and Drink

The food and water bowl do not have to cost you a fortune. You do not have to go out and buy one with your pet’s name on it unless you want to. Mainly, they just need to be easy to clean and heavy so they won’t tip over easily. Because it is possible that your cat might be allergic to plastic, it might be a good precautionary note to opt for the stainless steel bowls. You also need to make sure that your cat has food and water in his bowls as well.

Litter Box and the Materials That Go In Them to Clean Up Messes

Unless you plan to teach your cat how to use the toilet, you will need to purchase a litter box and everything that goes in it. This involves the litter box, the scoop, and the litter. If you have a kitten, it is important that the litter box is not so big that they cannot get into it. However, you need to get a litter box that is big enough for a full-grown cat.

What many cat owners may not know is that the litter boxes that have hoods or covers may actually trap foul-smelling odors and make your cat unwilling to use the litter box. It may be a good idea to avoid these altogether.

Another helpful tip is to keep some sort of garbage container next to the litter box to make it easier to scoop the box on a regular basis. Just make sure that the container you choose will keep the odor inside the container and out of your room. The last item is, of course, to find litter that works best for you and your cat. There are many varieties available that have odor control and clump better. What you choose is up to your own preferences.

You Have a Bed, Your Cat Needs One Too

Your pet needs a place to lie down, sleep, and take a nap. A cat bed will also help keep your cat from taking his naps on your bed or couch. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune or have it monogrammed, but it does mean that you need to look for something comfortable. A good choice is a bed that your cat will be able to snuggle in. You can choose from nesting beds, mats, or perches.

Your choice will depend on your cat’s sleeping habits and what will fit best in your home. Also, don’t be irritated if your cat doesn’t take to his new sleeping domain right away. It might take time, or your cat might not adapt to it at all. A good tip is to find a bed that is washable so that any messes are easy to clean. It’s also a good idea to put the bed wherever your cat likes to sleep or in a quiet area.

Scratch a Post or Scratch Your Couch – It’s Up to You

Cats need to stretch and exercise their arms and legs, just like humans do. Unfortunately, they choose to do this by scratching things since no one has invented a gym for cats. To avoid having them scratch your furniture, it might be a good idea to invest in a cat scratching post, and the sooner the better. A scratching post will help your cat realize that he has his own piece of furniture to claw up and to leave yours alone.

When buying a scratching post for your cat, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the scratching post is actually tall enough for your cat to be able to get the full effect. This is so he can completely stretch his body out and still have room to spare. Next, make sure that it won’t fall over as soon as it has something leaning against it, or your cat will be tipping it over all of the time.

If your cat already has a few bad habits, such as scratching furniture, you might need to train your cat to use the post instead. This might take a little time and patience. If you make sure your cat is playing with it whenever you are around, he will begin to get the idea. It also helps if it is in an accessible area to your cat.

Getting Your Cat from One Place to Another

Since you may have realized that trying to transport your cat or anyone else’s for that matter is no easy task, it is smart to invest in a cat carrier. A cat carrier is great for a cat or a kitten. It will enable you to transport your cat from point A to point B with little to no damage or injury. In addition, you will not have to worry about your cat plunking around in your car or attaching himself to you with his claws while you are driving.

A cat carrier is the best choice all around and will help your cat feel secure as well. Since there are a variety of different cat carriers to choose from, it will depend largely on your preference and how much you want to spend. It’s a good idea to make sure that the carrier is big enough to fit your cat and allow him to move around while in it.

Keeping Your Cat Entertained

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune on toys for your feline friend. This is largely because they will play with whatever it is you have handy. Whether it is a string, a leaf, wrapping paper, or a ball, they will be completely content swatting it, biting it, and tearing it apart. Of course, many of these items that you have lying around your house are not the safest for kittens and cats, nor do you want them thinking that it’s OK to chew on whatever they want. This is why it’s important that they have some of their own toys.

You can choose to go through your house and find toys that will be safe for your cat or to go to the store and purchase a few cat-designated toys. Some toys that are safe to give your cat that you find around the house are:

• Small balls that bounce, but they can’t chew apart and aren’t so small that they will get caught in their throat
• Sewing supplies such as a empty wooden thread spool
• Balled up paper

Items around the house that you should NOT give your cat or kitten for health and safety reasons:

• Balls of string, yarn, or spools with thread on them
• Anything with wire in it
• Anything aluminum or cellophane
• Plastic bags
• Rubber bands
• Anything that is sharp or pointy
• Anything that can break and hurt your cat
• Anything that they can chew off and get stuck in their throat

You can find many fun and colorful cat toys at your local supermarket or pet store. The key is to use your judgment before you buy any of them. Carefully look them over and make sure they won’t become hazardous to your cat as he plays with them. It’s smart and cost effective to start out with a few toys so that you can see what your cat chooses to play with and what he does’t. In addition, it’s important to note that some cat toys should only be used when you are there playing with your cat or kitten.

A Collar, Leash, and Harness for Your Cat

A collar is a very important thing if you have a cat who enjoys both the indoors as well as the outdoors. An important thing to keep in mind when buying a collar for your cat is that if he is quite active and curious, you will need to find a collar that can break away. Although a breakaway collar seems somewhat strange, it is really in the best interest for your cat and his safety.

If your cat is outdoors or even inside and his collar gets caught on something, you do not want them to choke. That is why it’s important to look for a breakaway collar. You should have your kitten or cat begin wearing his collar as soon as possible so that he becomes accustomed to it.

Also, make sure that your cat has some identification on his collar if he gets lost or finds himself out of your house. You can also choose to purchase a leash and a harness if you wish to take your cat or kitten out for a walk. If you have the opportunity to train him how to walk with a leash when he is young, he will adapt to it much better.

Not all cats like the leash around their neck. That is why it might be necessary to purchase a harness that will be more comfortable for the cat and give you more control.

What You Will Need to Groom Your Cat

Grooming is a big part of having a cat, especially if you have a long-haired cat. You will need to have the proper grooming tools, even if you have a short-haired cat. Mainly, you will need to have a flea comb and a brush. However, the tools that you will need depend largely on what type of fur your cat has. Grooming is important to prevent hairballs, and it will help to cut down on how much cat hair will be on your furniture.