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Are you getting ready to bring home a new feline member of your family for the first time? Congratulations!
Whether you’ll be picking up your kitty from a shelter, the pet store, or a breeder, you most likely want to help them feel as happy and comfortable as possible as they get used to life in your home. This first-time cat owner checklist will help you make sure you’re prepared and ready to hit the ground running with everything your pet will need!
Let’s start with the cat essentials. These are the basics that any cat will need in order to be healthy and comfortable.
You’ll want to get two separate dishes: one for food and one for water. Or you can choose a double feeder that holds the dishes a good distance apart (like this one ⬇️). The safest materials for cat dishes are stainless steel and lead-free ceramic. It’s important to keep your pet’s dishes clean, so have a few spare dishes on hand for when the first set is in the dishwasher.
You may also want to buy a mat to limit mess on the floor and also keep food and water dishes from sliding around while your cat is using them. These non-slip food bowl placemats are durable, easy to clean, and great for all floor surfaces.
The variety of cat food options can be a little overwhelming, even for seasoned cat owners. When it comes to your furry buddy’s first few days at home, you may want to buy the same food that the breeder or shelter has been using to help make the transition easier.
You’ll also probably want to make a vet appointment as soon as possible to talk about what type of food is best going forward based on your cat’s age and any other specific health needs.
Other than food and water, a litter box is the number one item your cat needs. It’s generally recommended to set up one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So if you’re bringing home one cat, set up two boxes. Make sure you get a big enough litter box too since cats need space to dig and move around.
Just like with any furry pet, you’ll want to get your new family member a collar with tags. A collar with a breakaway buckle is a great choice because it allows pets to safely pull free if their collar gets caught on something.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your cat is microchipped and that your contact information is on the chip. A microchip is the surest way to prove that you are your cat’s owner if they ever get lost.
Most cats love to nap on the furniture any chance they get, but it’s also nice to get your furry friend a designated bed that they’ll know is their own special space.
Not all cat owners choose to invest in cat carriers, but there will almost certainly be times when you want to have one on hand—not only for convenience but also to keep your kitty safe. For example, if you’ll be driving your cat to the vet with no one else in the car, a carrier will keep your cat safe and comfortable for the trip.
Taking care of a new pet always involves a lot of learning on the job, but there’s a lot you can do to make it easier and help yourself feel more prepared. One of the absolute best things you can do is talk to someone who has experience with cats, whether it’s a friend or cat breeder.
Here are some other important ways to prepare:
Move anything that could be hazardous for your new furry friend (as well as anything a cat could damage) to a safe place. Here are some examples:
Long-haired cats usually need daily brushing to prevent their hair from matting, while short-haired breeds typically need only minimal brushing or none at all.
Aside from basic essentials and daily care, there’s no shortage of toys and other fun things to buy for a cat to help keep them happy and entertained.
Cats love to climb and be up high, so consider getting a cat tree that’s at least six feet tall and place it near a window. Another fun idea is a cat window lounger. Your little buddy will love watching the outside from up there!
You might also want to invest in some scratching surfaces, not only to keep your cat happy but also to spare your furniture! Consider investing in a sturdy scratching post and buying a few other scratchers made of cardboard and/or sandpaper for other areas in your home.
Toys are definitely some of the most fun pet items to shop for! You may want to get a variety of different types of toys at first so you can wait and see what your cat enjoys the most. Here are a few of our favorite kinds of toys:
As pet owners ourselves, we are familiar with the feeling of anticipation in the days leading up to the moment when you introduce a new pet to your home. We can help you find all the food, toys, and other supplies you need to give your new cat all the love and care they deserve!
Shop online or visit us at our store in Beaverton, Oregon.
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No matter how small your pup or how large your pack, there is nothing better than a road trip! To help make sure you end up on the happy hound highway rather than the Boulevard of Broken dog Dreams (shout out to my fellow Gen Xers!), we have a ton of tips; so many in fact, that this guide is a two parter! In this first installment, we’ll cover what you need for the car and the trail, and next time we’ll do all you need for everything else, including eating, drinking, and sleeping. The open road awaits…
