When you adopt your new cat or kitten, ask about prior vaccinations, nutrition, parasite control, and grooming that he or she has received.
Thinking-of-getting-a-cat? Is a cat the right pet for you? Learn about selecting a pet cat for your family.
Before choosing a new adult cat or kitten, it is important to take time to research and think about your options. A cat’s personality, age, and appearance, …
The Right Pick
The selection of cats and kittens in a shelter can be overwhelming. Try not to visit with a preconceived notion of the kind of kitty you want. Take your time and see who comes to you – it could be a bouncing kitten or a more reserved adult. In a busy household, a cat who is shy and hides may not be a good fit. If you live alone or have a quiet lifestyle, it can be easier to nurture a shy kitty.
What is important is that you try to find a cat that will interact with you if you want it to.
All cats are not the same and how each individual cat behaves with you can depend on its inherent personality and early experiences (or lack of experiences), which can make it fearful or confident with people and life in general.
To care for a cat you will need to:
- Provide plenty of human companionship
- Provide regular, suitable meals with a constant supply of fresh water
- Provide a clean and comfortable bed
- Provide the cat with outdoor access or be prepared to empty and clean a litter tray on a daily basis
- Provide it with a stimulating and safe environment
- Groom it regularly. Longhaired cats require daily grooming
- Have it neutered between 4 and 6 months old
- Vaccinate against the major feline diseases regularly
- Worm regularly and provide treatment for fleas
- Take the cat to the vet when it shows any sign of illness
- Insure your cat or make sure you can afford the cost of any veterinary treatment it may need.
How long do cats take to adjust to a new cat?
It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do. Many cats who don’t become buddies learn to avoid each other, but some cats fight when introduced and continue to do so until one of the cats must be re-homed.
Are you bringing a new cat home? This new cat checklist will help you learn what you need to welcome your new pet home.
What Do you Need at Home?
Discuss responsibilities with family members. Who will scoop the litter box? Who will feed her and when? Where will she sleep at night? How will playtime be divided up? These are just a few of the daily responsibilities you’ll encounter.
Feeding
We recommend purchasing high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat food. Factors such as age, activity level and health make a difference in what and how much a cat should eat.
Grooming
Cats may be great at grooming themselves, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a helping paw every once in a while.
Regular brushing or combing can keep a cat’s coat clean, shiny, and sleek and help you monitor his or her skin for parasites and signs of disease. As an added benefit, loose fur removed during grooming will not wind up on the furniture, and your cat will ingest less hair and have fewer problems with Magic Pet Comb for Cats and Dogs.
Litter box
All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a quiet, accessible location. In a multi-level home, one box per floor is recommended.
Avoid moving the box unless absolutely necessary, but if you must do so, move the box just a few inches per day.
Keep in mind that cats won’t use a messy, smelly litter box, so scoop solid wastes out of the box at least once a day.
In terms of litter, you have options galore: clay, clumping, scented, unscented, and corn-, wheat-, and paper-based. Again, keep it simple. See if you can find out what the kitten or cat is used to and stick with that to start.
Bedding
Invest in a couple of cozy beds and place them in sunny spots. Your pet should have her own clean, dry place in your home to sleep and rest.
Cat Carrier
Use a cat carrier in the car. Are you bringing her along on vacation? Always transport your cat in an appropriate carrier designed for pets.
Allowing your cat to roam freely in the car can distract you from driving safely, which can lead to accidents that may harm both you and your cat.
Scratching Board or Scratching Post
Cats need to scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed.
Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture. Thus, it’s better for you to prepare high-quality scratching board or scratching post in advance.
Are you bringing a new cat home? This new cat checklist will help you learn what you need to welcome your new pet home.
What Do you Need at Home?
Discuss responsibilities with family members. Who will scoop the litter box? Who will feed her and when? Where will she sleep at night? How will playtime be divided up? These are just a few of the daily responsibilities you’ll encounter.
Feeding
We recommend purchasing high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat food. Factors such as age, activity level and health make a difference in what and how much a cat should eat.
Grooming
Cats may be great at grooming themselves, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a helping paw every once in a while.
Regular brushing or combing can keep a cat’s coat clean, shiny, and sleek and help you monitor his or her skin for parasites and signs of disease. As an added benefit, loose fur removed during grooming will not wind up on the furniture, and your cat will ingest less hair and have fewer problems with Magic Pet Comb for Cats and Dogs.
Litter box
All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a quiet, accessible location. In a multi-level home, one box per floor is recommended.
Avoid moving the box unless absolutely necessary, but if you must do so, move the box just a few inches per day.
Keep in mind that cats won’t use a messy, smelly litter box, so scoop solid wastes out of the box at least once a day.
In terms of litter, you have options galore: clay, clumping, scented, unscented, and corn-, wheat-, and paper-based. Again, keep it simple. See if you can find out what the kitten or cat is used to and stick with that to start.
Bedding
Invest in a couple of cozy beds and place them in sunny spots. Your pet should have her own clean, dry place in your home to sleep and rest.
Cat Carrier
Use a cat carrier in the car. Are you bringing her along on vacation? Always transport your cat in an appropriate carrier designed for pets.
Allowing your cat to roam freely in the car can distract you from driving safely, which can lead to accidents that may harm both you and your cat.
Scratching Board or Scratching Post
Cats need to scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed.
Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture. Thus, it’s better for you to prepare high-quality scratching board in advance.
Happy healthy cats require good owner knowledge and understanding. Find everything about keeping your cat happy, healthy and safe.
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