The Absolute Must-Haves For First-Time Cat Owners In Their Home
Getting a cat to your home can be one of the most fulfilling, wholesome, and fun experiences for pet parents, especially for those doing it for the first time. While there are many positives to adopting a cat, it is certainly a bit of a transition for both you and the cat. So naturally, there are several tricky and confusing elements on that road that can easily ignite a fair bit of chaos unless you take care of certain things.
These are primarily things that you ought to ensure are done in your home before beginning the journey with your feline friend. These are certain non-negotiables that must be checked off the list before getting the cat home.
Setting Up a Litter Box
One of the first things you must do after bringing a cat home is to litter train them, and a litter box setup is the very foundation of this training. While setting it up is fairly simple, the devil is in the details. Besides, it is also one of the things that first-time pet parents often tend to overlook.
You must get a litter box for every cat in the house, along with a backup box. As for the box, a shallow box is a safe choice. Pair it with fine, unscented litter to minimize the chances of repulsion from your cat. While you are at it, also get a scoop for daily cleaning along with a litter mat to keep the tracking in check.
For the placement, choose a location in your house that is easily accessible by the cat, and you are good to go. After this, all you need to do is place the cat in the litter box after they have their meals, after a nap, or anytime they exhibit signs of wanting to answer nature’s call.
Establishing Feeding and Hydration Zones
A distinction between feeding and hydrating zones aligns with a cat's natural biological wiring. So, ensure that you keep the feeding area at least a little apart from the hydrating station. This also makes things easier for you as well as your new feline companion.
As for the bowls to use, pick shallow bowls that make it convenient for the cat to eat out of and are easy on their whiskers. For food, a carnivorous diet is advisable for cats, as they thrive on compounds like taurine and arachidonic acid found in most meats.
Dry Vs. Wet Feeding
Another common doubt for first-time owners is dry food vs. wet food. While both have their advantages, like the enhanced nutrient density of wet meals and the high convenience factor of dry feeding. The kind of food, portion sizes, and meal schedules depend largely on age and vary from cat to cat, so it is best to consult your vet before deciding on a feeding routine.
Water Fountains Vs. Water Bowls
Now, coming to hydration, a water fountain is the ideal choice. However, if you cannot install a fountain in the house, a fresh water bowl in a dedicated hydrating space should be your next option. Make a note to regularly change the water to maintain a healthy routine for your cat.
Installing Scratching Surfaces
Scratching is one of the things that cat owners eventually have to make their peace with. While the amount of scratching and frequency vary, the act itself remains constant. And contrary to popular belief, scratching is not bad behavior in cats.
An integral part of the feline DNA, scratching aids in muscle stretching, territory marking, and stress relief for the cat. It is also important for your cat's nail maintenance.
So instead of trying to restrict an inherent activity of your cat or compromising the cover of your couch, you can set up scratching surfaces. Installing a sturdy scratching surface, preferably horizontal, around the cat’s sleeping or play area will be one of your best investments as a first-time pet parent.
Determining Resting and Hiding Spaces
Unlike several other pets, cats by nature are not very social. However, that is not a blanket statement, and even for cats who fall on the extremely shy side, things can change as they become comfortable with socializing with familiar faces and other pets.
That said, there can be instances, more often than not, when your cat feels overwhelmed and looks for a safe spot. When that episode arises, an established safe or resting space will be a blessing for both you and the cat.
A safe spot can be anything from a bed in the corner to an elevated resting space that may calm your cat’s nerves. You can also opt for a covered space like a box designed to make your cat feel safe and help them unwind, away from the noise. In some cases, picking a safe space near the window can also help the cat relax due to a change of scenery.
Sorting a Stack of Cat Toys
Having a stack of toys well sorted should be one box that you must tick before getting your cat home. Along with keeping the activity level of your cat high, play time also tickles the natural predatory nature of your cat and satiates that itch in a healthy manner.
Chase and Wand Toys
Chase toys specifically are a great option for this. A mouse toy or a ball can unleash your cat’s predatory instincts in a free and safe manner during playtime. Another great option is wand toys, which greatly help with interactive play. These can also aid with socialization, specifically for those who might not be very receptive to social settings otherwise.
Keeping the Grooming Essentials Handy
One of the final things on the list is some grooming essentials that will surely come in handy during pet parenting. The fur situation of your cat varies depending on the breed. Things can get really messy, really soon, with your cat’s fur.
A cat's gentle brush is nothing short of a boon, which helps maintain the fur health of your pet and prevents things from getting messy. Another essential is a nail clipper to trim the nails of your cat from time to time.
For those unexpected tiny chapters of hygiene chaos, items like pet-safe wipes and enzymatic cleaners can be absolute lifesavers.
Apart from these, you may even consider pet-proofing some parts of your home if not the entire space. Lastly, patience as a virtue will help you more than most other things. For first-time cat parents, there are several things that can get tricky, and while checking this list does not immediately solve every crisis, it certainly makes things easier and less chaotic.
