Getting your first cat can be a daunting experience. Not only do you have to find the right cat, you then have to put together an environment they’ll thrive in. With so many types of litter, litter boxes, food, treats, and toys, what seems like a cheaper endeavor than choosing a dog can quickly become a second mortgage. When you’re finally ready to bring home that future feline friend, make sure you do a bit of research beforehand. It’s easy to get caught up in unnecessary purchases with those adorable eyes staring at you. By putting in a little elbow grease at the start, you can efficiently determine what will work best for you and your budget long before those little purrs have you picking up toys from the pet aisle every time you go grocery shopping. Planning also allows you to prepare for some trial and error as you get used to your new roommate. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you get exactly what you need to care for your cat.
Ideally, you’ll want your cat on a diet of wet food mixed with some dry food. In the wild, cats get most of their moisture from their food. If you give them only dry food, your cat runs the risk of becoming dehydrated and potentially suffering from a painful and expensive urinary issue. Pick out a bunch of different varieties of small cans and test out which ones your cat likes. Cats are not shy letting you know their preference. If they don’t like something, they will not touch it.
Luckily, cats are generally far less picky about their litter boxes. As long as it has a substrate they can kick around to cover their movements, their instinct to bury is fulfilled. Because of this, the type of litter box depends on you and your desires. For the best answer, think about your living space. Spending a bit more on a box that contains odor better can be well worth it in a smaller space if you don’t want to find yourself scooping every time you hear the kitty in the box. Automatic litter boxes can be very convenient.
Choosing litter is a pretty easy process as well since most cats will use what’s available. The cheapest is any kind of sand or clay. Though many claim to be free of dust, this is simply not true. The small particles and dust can even aggravate allergies. Pine litter is much easier to contain since the big pieces are left on top while the dirtied dust falls to the bottom. Newspaper can be a great alternative for anyone with bad reactions to litter particles.
Once you have your cat home, you’ll want to set up levels around the house. Natural climbers, cats feel much safer observing and napping up high. Secure carpeted shelving to the wall in step patterns for easy access. Invest in one or two cat towers near windows. If you’re feeling especially creative, string up small hammocks for them to nap in. Once installed, don’t shove your kitty into the new area. Simply let them explore on their own. They’ll very soon find their favorite spots.
Cats need active playtime at least once a day. It’s up to you to find the toys they really respond to and help them fulfill their prey drive. Invest in two to three cheap toys of different styles. Popular options include feathers on sticks, toys attached to strings attached to sticks, and crinkly balls. Once you find their favorite, you can upgrade to a more expensive version. Avoid laser pointers unless you plan on rewarding your cat when it “catches” the red light. It will get frustrated without some sort of tactile victory after completing a successful hunt.
Cats scratch. It’s how they mark territory and, once you bring one into your home, your home is its territory. Remember to not get frustrated. Simply note where the cat chooses to scratch during its daily territory marking routine and set up scratching posts at those spots. These can be ropes wrapped around standing pieces of wood to secure pieces of cardboard. As long as your little pal can sink its claws into the material to renew its scent, it will avoid your furniture and your anger.
