So you brought home a new feline. Congratulations! You have now honored your home with one of the most exciting creatures on earth. Cats are elusive yet very playful. They seek attention and then contempt it. Kittys will go from licking your hand to biting it in seconds. With getting a kitty home comes responsibility and a good medical cat treatment. Buying veterinary insurance for the feline’s best health care is equally important. If you have a kitty, know that you live with them and not the other way around.
So, now it’s time to know how to give your new kitty the life she deserves. What stock will you need for her? How can you make your home kitty-friendly and still protect your favorite things?
We’re here to help you set up right away.
- Set Up A Space Just For Them
Cats can be jumpy and anxious, especially if they are feral or you got them from a shelter. New noises, behaviors, and smells can make them even more jittery. The first time you bring them home, it’s a great idea to put them in a smaller room or space set up exclusively for them. Stock that area with food and water bowls with the food they were eating. Also, include a litter box and some suitable litter.
Another important factor to consider which your vet will most likely mention is that quality food is extremely important when considering the health of your kitten. You may want to consider looking into healthy high-quality foods like Dr. Marty Pets for an idea of what you should be feeding your cat.
This space should be away and quiet from the familiar smells and noises of the house. No kids. No other pets. Away from people. You might consider a basket, cloth cube, or small shelf they can climb into and “laze.” Then they can watch the new surroundings around them from a safe space.
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Give Them Time To Adjust
Some cats hide in a tiny spot until their fear reflex calms down. Some will roam around immediately, even coming to you to give you the inhale test. Let them choose when they are ready and comfortable to explore their new home. Many cat experts suggest three days as a reasonable time to let them settle in, but it depends on the feline and your home.
Try sitting in their room without touching or playing with them. Just hang around and let them observe, smell, and learn from you. When they finally grace you with their presence and bump you with their head or climb onto your lap, you will know they have decided this is their home.
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Play At Their Pace
Unlike dogs, cats are not keen to please their human family. They generally don’t care much about you. So when you engage with them in play, take it at their pace, and let them show you what they like. Some cats like tumble and rougher play. Remember, cats have very sharp claws and will use them on you. If you are planning to roughhouse with your cat, wear long sleeves!
If your feline lays down on the floor and shows you her belly, understand that this is not an invitation to rub the said belly. Ask nicely first.
A surefire way to get them to play with you is with one of those dangly toys with a fish on end. Walk around your house with one of those dragging toys on the floor, and you will soon have a stealthy kitty on your heels.
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Cat Proof Your Home
Preparing for a curious new member is always a task and should be considered a work in progress. Your cat will let you know what you forget by promptly going over and investigating that area. Cover your house so that both the cat and the house are safe.
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Stock Up On Supplies
Your Must-Have List should include:
- Litter Box
- Collar
- Food & Water Bowls
- Litter
- Cat Brush
- Food
- Scratching post
- Flea treatments
Your Nice To Have List should include:
- Cat Bed
- Catnip
- Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
- Calming Enzymes
- Toys
- Treats
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Find A Vet ASAP
Don’t hold up your first visit to the veterinarian. Try to get the first consultancy within a few days of welcoming home your new feline. Find a veterinarian early and make the appointment before you get them home. You’ll want to immediately have a sense of health issues or any special cat treatment that may be required. Don’t forget that diagnosis and treatment for behavioral and physical conditions can be covered if you have veterinary Insurance.
