Including a devoted cat into the family is unlike nothing else. Whether you choose an adult or a kitten, bringing home your new friend will go more easily if you get ready ahead of time. Use these cat care guidelines to assist your pet in having a safe and pleasant change of environment.
Talk to the Vet
Plan a health inspection and necessary immunization visit with your veterinarian first. This is also a great chance to microchip your cat so that, should they ever vanish, there is higher chance of their being returned to you.
Get ready for the litter box
Along with litter, a litter box will definitely rank first on your purchasing list. You will be ahead if you know the type of litter the cat or kitten prefers. Otherwise, wait to purchase an economy-sized bag until you are sure your cat will find use for it. The litter box is the same; start with a simple design unless you are positive your cat likes a covered or self-cleaning model.
Get another litter box should you already own a cat. One litter box per cat is the accepted norm. The resident cat may chase the newcomer away from the litter box; cats sometimes take time to grow used to each other. Giving them each their own box can help to ease introductions somewhat. Actually, if you already have a cat, be ready to keep the new arrival in a different room so the cats can meet progressively.
Purchase dishes and food
Food should also be right at the top of the list. Though most cats appreciate wet food, you should not purchase caseloads until you find out which flavor your cat enjoys most. Add that to your shopping list as many cats also like crunchy dry food for nibbling.
Essential are food and water dishes. Given its non-breakability and simplicity of washing, stainless steel is a great choice. Good are ceramic dishes as well. At the bottom of the list is plastic since it can stain and may hold smells and bacteria.
Many people substitute plates or saucers since many cats dislike it when their whiskers contact the sides of the bowl. This allows enough space for the whiskers of your cat to spread out.
Order a Scratching Post with Catnip
A scratching post is another “must-have”. Cats scratch, hence get one or more scratching posts to save your furniture. Make sure any scratching post doesn’t topple over. Your cat could get scared by this and choose that your preferred armchair is far superior for scratching!
Try rubbing a scratch post with catnip if your cat seems reluctant to use one. Teaching your cat to use the post will also help them to overlook your draperies and furniture.
Start grooming your new cat
Starting grooming your cat early on is important even if they are still a kitten. Get tools for grooming include cat slicker brushes, wipes, and nail clippers. When you welcome your cat home, set a schedule and routinely brush her fur to get mats and tangles out.
The two of you have a great chance to spend time together since many cats enjoy the sensation of a gentle brush flowing through their fur.
You will be ready to create memories after you start the ball rolling on these cat care suggestions! From treating your pet companion to playing together, there are many ways to honor your unique link and create a solid, healthy relationship.
Advice for the first thirty days following cat adoption
The first thirty days of a cat adoption are quite crucial for preparing your new family member for success. These early weeks should be spent developing good routines and forging a close relationship between you and your cat.
These basic cat care guidelines will help you to introduce your cat into your house and start your relationship with it correct.
Let Your Cat Calm Down
Adopting a new cat means you can expect her to require time to settle into her new surroundings. “Understand that the new cat may be timid in her or her new surroundings and may not show all of her normal play behavior or other personality traits at first,” says certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) Pet Behavior Change owner Dr.
Megan E. Maxwell. “Dr. Adam Behrens, VMD, owner of Wandering Vet and member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, advises that you let the cat approach you on her own terms when you first bring her home.” Your cat will feel more in control as a result.
Keep your new cat apart from your other cats
Should you have other cats living with you, you should keep them apart from your new cat until she has adjusted to her new schedule. “Cats are all about routine and territory, Dr. Behrens says.
The standard advice is to keep cats apart for two weeks; if other cats live in the house, it is imperative that they avoid visual contact until the new cat is happy in the new home and has started to adapt to a regular routine. This qualifies as a quarantine period, thus you can ensure your new cat does not have parasites or an upper respiratory infection. More read:Cat Care Tips: Preparing for a Newly Adopted Kitty
It will be up to your new kitty to control the pace of adjusting to her new house following the two-week period. There is no magic number of days it will take your cat to become settled. Give her time and be patient; you will position your new relationship for success.
Have Her Space Set Up Ahead
Dr. Maxwell advises having the place ready before you bring your new cat home to help her settle comfortably. Dr. Behrens advises, “Be sure to get the litter boxes and food and water bowls set up before bringing the cat home. Start with tiny spaces for the cat at first. It is vital to establish some portion of your house that belongs to the cat.
For example, a bedroom with separate places for the litter box and food and water bowls is better than letting the cat into the entire house in the first week or two. They should be let to gradually expand their territory over the next days or weeks after adoption.
Suggest enrichment for your cat
Apart from your regular cat supplies, you should give your pet a range of enrichment cat toys till you find out her preferred one. Along with cat toys, you should provide your cat scracher options.
Dr. Maxwell advises, “investing in a few different styles early on, and encouraging play by sitting with your new cat and playing with the toys yourself.” Some cats like vertical sisal cat scratchers, like the Frisco scratching tower, while others prefer horizontal pad scratchers, like The Original Scratch Lounge.
Dr. Maxwell notes, “They should have more than one scratching option—perhaps a post with vertical threading and also a flat scratching board with an alternative material or direction of threading.” Giving your cat choices can help you to know her preferences and most surely result in a happier cat.
Create Routine and Structure
One of the best ways to help your cat settle into her new house is with structure and routine. When developing this new schedule, Dr. Behrens advises consistent feeding, grooming, and play times.
Exchange Regular Dental and Cat Grooming
Dr. Behrens advises daily brushing of your cat’s teeth. Before adding these new pursuits to your schedule, you should wait until your new cat is totally at ease in her new surroundings.
Dr. Behrens counsels pet owners to start gradually if they have never cleaned the teeth of their cat. Dr. Behrens advises Virbac C.E.T.
Enzymatic dog and cat toothpaste for brushing teeth; feeding small amounts of toothpaste from the tip of a finger for a month or two may actually lead to being able to eventually brush their teeth, but cat parents should take things slow and not rush to brush. Never brush the teeth of your cat using human toothpaste.
Dr. Behrens also advises cat owners to routinely brush their pets. For all cats, he advises the Safari self-cleaning slicker brush. Whether you are brushing the fur or teeth of your cat, keep in mind to start slowly and use treats to help to make the experience favorable.
Cat Training and Play Sessions
Start modest with training and spend that time strengthening your relationship with your new friend. Call her name in a pleasant voice, then toss a cat treat or toy across the floor. “A first training goal can be to teach the cat to look at you in response to his name,”
Dr. Maxwell says. Call your cat’s name and always deliver something your kitty likes repeatedly multiple times a day. Like all other routines, take training at the speed your cat finds comfortable and use positive reinforcement to reward appropriate behavior.
Gradually Changing to New Cat Food
Adopting a cat calls for careful introduction to the cat food you intend to feed her on a regular basis. Any pet should be gradually switched to a new food over five to seven days to avoid digestive disturbances.
Regarding the best cat food for their particular cat and how to successfully change their cat to a new diet, cat parents should speak with their veterinarian.
According to Dr. Behrens, “feeding premium cuisine with meat as the main ingredient should take front stage. With an eye toward canned food and a limited amount of dry food to assist minimize the accumulation of calculus on the teeth over time, I advise a combination of canned and dry foods.
Get to Know a Veterinarian
Adopting any animal requires first building a relationship with a veterinarian you trust. “Owners should have a relationship with a veterinarian they feel comfortable and who takes the time to answer their questions regarding cat care and health,” Dr. Maxwell counsels.
“If they encounter behavior problems with their cat, they should seek the services of a board-certified animal behaviorist (CAAB) or veterinary behaviorist,” Dr. Maxwell says. “
Cat owners should also ask their veterinarians about grooming needs, feeding schedules, cat food types, exercise opportunities, and common signs of illness to be aware of.”
She advises cat owners to ask about common household pollutants and hazards for their animals as well as about litter box practices like how often the cat should be using the litter box and how often it should be cleaned.
How To Get Ready To Adopt a Cat
All those trills, chirps, and meows—those adorable tiny faces and mischievous actions. Although you have been picturing what it could be like to be a cat parent, all the inquiries can be taxing. Here’s how to get ready to adopt a cat so your two of you have a seamless changeover!
Are you a newlywed cat parent thinking about adopting a cat? Not miss these practical advice on getting ready to adopt a cat. #cats #love #catadoption
Loving animals personally, I support the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” program. Amazing four-legged buddies abound just waiting for their permanent residence. With you, perhaps? Everyone has different needs, hence depending on your circumstances, adopting from a shelter or rescue might not be best. Whatever your choice, there are some fundamental things to think over before inviting your new best friend home.
Good Advice for Getting Ready to Adopt a Cat
Congratulations; you have chosen to be a cat parent! Although this is an amazing journey, initially it can feel daunting.
Though they are renowned for their independence and personality, cats still need and adore you! Maintaining composure when concerns come up or difficulties develop during the first-time bringing a cat home is mostly dependent on preparation. Here are some useful pointers to equip you for your new life as a cat parent:
Think on Their Past
Every one of my kitties has had a tale to tell and have been rescues! Where you get your cat will determine your knowledge of their background.
In rescues, for instance, behavioral problems could stem from trauma. If you are buying your cat from a breeder or pet store, you are more likely to know exactly about their immunization background, spay/neuter status, and regular visit schedule.
Many breeders still have the belief in declawing a cat. Given the prevalent behavioral issues many declawed cats suffer, this is an operation I would advise against ever doing. Whether you buy from a breeder or a rescue, thinking about the past of your pet will help you be ready for adoption.
Prepare Supplies Ahead of Time
Although it can seem daunting to be ready to be the best cat parent, your cat’s life will be much improved by your study and follow-through on quality. These things should help you decide what supplies your cat needs:
Your cat’s age, stage, and mobility will help you decide the type of litter you use. Perfect and helps to deter marking or messes outside the box are two litter boxes for each cat.
The age and health of your cat will determine food. Cats can have upset stomachs from unexpected changes, hence it is advisable to keep constant with diet. Make sure your cat companion is fed food with safe and healthy components. Purchase what the best your budget will allow.
Choosing a bed your cat will enjoy is a great way to show her love. They will, however, soon locate and enjoy blankets, towels, cardboard boxes, and cushions all throughout the house.
Scratching Post: Cats with claws really need this. A scratcher or scratching post lets them file or sharpen their claws, therefore avoiding damage to your furniture.
Toys.
Maintaining indoor cat happiness is crucial since bored kitties can turn destructive. Try several kinds of toys and play lots!
Road trips can be hard for both you and your pet. For both, a decent carrier increases comfort and safety of travel.
Dogs Like Friends
Personal story: Over seven years ago, I saved our cat Dizzy from an indoor only child situation. She always had some behavioral issues, but we made every effort to keep her occupied with extra playing, affection, and even natural medicine for anxiety. Though we tried, certain problems remained. She has always been quite territorial, hence we considered another cat to be not possible.
Her perspective shifted entirely once she saved Pips and got him ready for indoors. These two now run wild all over the house. They most likely napping or cuddling with us when they are not pestering each other. What moral lesson the narrative offers? Thinking about a well-matched pair of cats instead of just one is one of the finest ways to get ready to adopt one.
Cat Proof Your House
There are several crucial guidelines to keep in mind for cat-proofing, much as with child-proofing. Want assistance determining how to cat-proof your house? This video will assist.
Get Ready Should an Emergency Develop
A little while back, I posted a piece titled “How To Prepare for the Unexpected As A Cat Parent.” We covered all the sometimes disregarded elements of getting our animals ready for crises. Don’t wait till catastrophe strikes. Having a well-defined forward strategy will help you avoid a lot of anxiety!
Other Useful Resources
These additional useful pieces provide more details:
Advice for the first thirty days of adopting a cat.
Taking Home a New Kitten or Cat
