Like all animals, cats require physical and emotional support, as well as a number of required items to help establish their comfort and provision in any new home. From cat food and treats, to healthcare, comfortable beds and kitty toys, we have created a list of items you will need from the first day you bring your feline home, to suggested tools you may find useful in the future.
Necessary Items
Water Dish/Food Dish – Cat food and water dishes are typically much smaller than dog dishes, and can easily be hidden away from sight. Cats tend to like privacy, preferring their water bowls to be away from the busiest areas of the house. Wherever you choose to keep the kitty’s kitchen, there are joint dishes for food and water available, or single dishes which prove easier to wash after a canned food meal. There are also dry food and water dispensaries that can be useful so humans do not have to worry about stepping into a flat water dish, or forgetting to refill the supply.
Cat Food – Cats thrive on balanced diets based on their natural cravings as carnivorous creatures. Raw food is usually regarded as the best nourishment for cats, since it mirrors closely the kind of diet they would have in the wild. However, a combination of canned foods, dry foods, raw foods, or grain-free blends, might be the exact variation your feline requires. Healthy food is the best preventative medication, so rotating nutrient-rich organic food will keep your trips to the vet infrequent, and your
medical bills low.
Litter/Scooper/Litter Box – Dealing with a pet’s waste is never a pleasant responsibility. However, because cats tend to be more discreet than dogs, having a kitty litter box is a simple out-of-sight way to deal with unwanted pet feces. Cats naturally like to bury their waste in a sandy area, so a designated box, with fresh-scented litter is the perfect place for them to relieve themselves. In addition to a box and bag of litter, owners will also need to by a poop-scooper to sift through the litter box with. Be sure to buy plenty of litter, as the box will need to be cleaned regularly, and emptied of the soiled gravel.
Treats – Like dogs, cats need to receive encouragement while training. This is often best accomplished through small incentives like cat treats. However, since many of the diseases which tend to assail cats can arise from obesity, it will be crucial to abstain from indulging in your kitty’s sweet tooth too often. Give a small treat to your cat after a difficulty like a bath, or having her claws trimmed. Offer her a treat when she has killed an unwanted pest (if that is behavior you want to encourage), of if she is practicing obedience by staying off the furniture, for example. Make sure you are training her with balanced and consistent methods.
Collar – Cats are known for their independence and tendency to roam free through the neighborhood if they are allowed. Though usually a feline will return to his home where ample food, love and a warm bed await him, there are countless cases of kitty runaways. A practical way to guard against this, is to adorn your new pet with an ID collar. This will usually state the cat’s name, the owner’s contact information, and sometimes the promise of a reward to ensure his safe return. Some collars will even have a little bell so the cat can be easily heard if hidden from sight.
Cat Bed/Cuddle Cups – Whether it is a cardboard box and a towel, or a velvet pillow with golden tassels, all kitties need a special place to rest their fuzzy heads. Cats need their own retreat where privacy and quiet are available to them, and often this bed will be where they spend a good amount of time. Some owners choose to buy flat cat beds or fluffy mats for their felines to lounge. Others like to present their kitties with “cuddle cups” which are square-shaped fleece beds, with short walls that they can snuggle against. Whichever you choose, your cat will be grateful for a space all her own.
Veterinarian – For all shots, ointments, medications, healthcare treatments and check-ups, you will need a reliable veterinarian to consult with regarding any pet health issues. A great way to find a veterinarian close by is to research well-recommended professionals in your community, or simply talk to fellow pet-owning friends about who they prefer. Establishing a good rapport with a vet will be necessary to your kitty care both now and in the future.
Additional Items
Play toys – From the furry mouse toys, to feather balls, and fishing poles with dangling lures, cats enjoy a wide range of toys. Their natural instinct is to stalk and chase prey, becoming completely enthralled with any movement of a smaller object. Any activity that allows the cat to hunt, chase, or stalk a toy, will be a certain favorite pastime, and will give him both mental and physical stimulation.
Cat Furniture – Cats are known for being curious explorers that like to climb to high places, or hide away in secret coves. They also have strong inclinations to scratch surfaces, in order to stretch their backs, clean their claws, and mark their territory. It would be best to provide your cat with some “furniture” to play on, so that the human upholstery can remain unscathed. Cat furniture is usually a multi-level tree-like structure made of wood, cardboard, or carpet that the cat can scratch and climb on at leisure.
Shampoo – Washing a cat is not as necessary a routine as washing a dog, since cats tend to keep their coats in tidy order. However, some owners like to shampoo their cats every once in a while, so having a gentle shampoo and conditioner on hand would be a good idea.
Cleansing Chews/Tooth Brush – Providing basic dental care is an important aspect of owning a cat. There are cleansing chews that cats can snack on while cleaning their teeth, or actual brushes and oral care gel for owners who prefer a hands-on clean up. For kitties with particularly “fishy” diets with unpleasant odors, there are also minty freshening chews they can be given to improve their breath.
Grooming tools – Trimming your cat’s claws will be a wise precaution, since they can grow very long and sharp when unchecked. There are several options of cat claw trimmers which minimize the pressure felt by your pet, and can be used painlessly and quickly. There are also fine-bristled cat hair combs, which will help remove the excess hair that tends to be left on table leg and couch corners.
Cat Carrier – Anytime you plant to travel with your cat, or transport him to and from the vet, a cat carrier is an absolute essential. Because of their independent nature, cats do not seem to travel very compliantly without one. Whether you choose a small plastic crate or a breathable pet pack, this will make embarking on journeys a stress-free endeavor.
