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Are you preparing your home for a new cat? You’ve scoured local animal shelters, found a new pet, and now comes the important
part -- preparing for the new arrival. If you’ve followed the 10 tips listed below, you’ll be secure in the knowledge that not
only are you ready for your new pet in a comfortable environment, you are ready to spend time playing and getting to know each
other.
1. Think Like A Cat
If you have never owned a cat before, this is a good place to start. Get down on the floor and survey the room from a cat’s
perspective—after you’ve closed the blinds, of course! What might pique a cat’s interest? What stands out as a potential danger
to the cat? Be sure to use a flashlight and look under the sofa and in smaller areas that a human can’t easily reach, but might
be tempting for a cat to explore. Keep a list of the potential hazards that you discover.
2. Remove Temptation
After identifying some of the hazards and off-limit items that may be facing your cat, be sure to do something about it. Start
by moving any small breakables, irreplaceable, or valuable items out of reach. Out of reach, however, is a relative term for
cats, as adults cats can jump and climb nearly anywhere in a room. When possible, store valuables away in a closed container.
Also keep in mind furniture—if any pieces are extremely important to you, you may want to move them to a room that is off-limits
to the cat.
3. Seek Out Hidden Dangers
With an eye for hidden dangers, check out any areas in your home where the cat will be in. One that pet owners may not
consider is poisonous plants. Cats are often attracted to the movement of plants, and investigate by biting as well as pawing.
Either move poisonous plants to a different part of the house or hang them out of reach.
Another item that attracts cats with its movement is cords: hanging blind cords, phone cords, or electrical cords. Cords that
can’t be moved out of reach or fastened securely can be sprayed with Bitter Apple, a harmless but unpleasant tasting
substance.
Finally, remove any small hazardous items such as paper clips, thumb tacks, or pest poisons from the area.
4. Litter Box
Not only should the litter box be placed somewhere easy for the cat to access, it should be kept away from busy areas and out
of reach of any inquisitive dogs or small children. It’s best to put the litter box on a hard surface, as sometimes cats may
mistake soft carpet around it for the actual litter box. Once you get your new cat home, she will let you know what type of
litter and box she prefers.
5. Make Some Areas Off Limits
It was recommended in the first few tips to move hazardous or valuable materials to another part of the house. However, you’ll
first need to determine what parts of the house can and should be considered off-limits. You should not make a room that doesn’t
have any doors or is a high-traffic area off limits to your cat. A good place to put off-limit items is either in an unused
bedroom or by securing them in closed storage areas throughout the house. Due to the fact there are too many chemicals and
hazardous materials in the garage, it should always be considered off-limits.
6. Shop Till You Drop
In order to make you and your new cat more comfortable, there are several other items, in addition to food and a litter box
that you’ll want to purchase. As mentioned in regards to cords, Bitter Apple Spray is a handy purchase for when moving danger
items is not an option.
To save your furniture and keep your cat happy, a scratching post is also a good investment. If you like to build things, you
could make it yourself. Or purchase one from a store—there is a great range of styles and prices available.
Although some cat owners prefer to have their cats sleep with them, it’s also a good idea to purchase a cat bed. Your cat can
use this throughout the day, for short cat naps, or at night. Ask store employees about what size would be appropriate, depending
on your cat’s age and breed.
7. Stock The Pantry
If at all possible, find out from the cat’s former owners his likes and/or dislikes when it comes to food. If not, be sure to
pay attention to the needs of your cat based on age or physical condition. Kittens need more nutrients than adult cats do, and
overweight cats may be put on a special diet.
Don’t forget that the food needs to go somewhere! Food and water bowls should be ceramic or metallic—plastic is not
recommended as some cats may develop a chin rash. If you will be gone for long periods of time, also consider automatic food and
water servers.
8. Toys
Not only are cats born to hunt, they are also born to play. Playing offers you an opportunity to bond with your new cat and
help kittens develop. There’s a wide variety of toys available in any pet store, from the very small to elaborate houses and
climbing posts. Purchase toys based on your budget, your living situation, and what your new cat’s preferences might be. If it is
an older cat, you may want to stick with smaller toys. With a kitten, the sky’s the limit!
9. Cat Carrier
Even if you plan on keeping your new cat indoors, a cat carrier is a necessity. For starters, you will need a way to get the
cat home from the shelter or pet store. Additionally, there will be many trips to the vet and possibly to friends’ houses or a
boarding facility when you are on trips. A cardboard carrier is a good short-term solution, but you will eventually want to
purchase a sturdy plastic one that will afford your cat comfort and security during travel.
10. Grooming
When they become accustomed to it, cats enjoy grooming almost as much as they do playing. Since grooming helps prevent
hairballs and overgrown nails that can become problematic, it’s very important to your cat’s health. Before you start get a
fine-toothed comb, a nail clipper specifically designed for cats, and a rubber-backed pin brush for brushing.
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