All You Need to Know about Raising Your First Cat

• Author: Kelly Cooke
• Posted: 2024-06-04

Congratulations on the decision to adopt your first cat. Whether you plan to get or adopt a cat, the decision is monumental for you and the pet. Before you make the cat a part of your family, there are several things you need to understand about what the cat will need from you for them to remain happy and healthy. Here are some tips on making your relationship with the newly acquired friend special so they feel at home with you:

Make a List of the Things the Cat Will Need

Adopting a new cat is almost the same as bringing home a human infant. However, you will have to shop for a litter box for the cat instead of a changing table if it is a human baby. Before welcoming the new cat into your home, there are several things to buy for them to feel comfortable and part of the family.

Ensure you get all the necessities in advance to reduce stress for you and your furry buddy on arrival day. It would not be good to discover that you forgot to buy cat food when the kitty is already at home, especially if it's already nighttime.

Prepare a Room for the Cat

The cat's room doesn't have to be separate; you can use a corner of one of your rooms but install a protective screen, an empty closet, or a bathroom you no longer use. Your cat needs a place to call home and where it can go for rest.

Before the cat gets used to your family members, they may choose to hide in the safe room and mingle later. Depending on their history, they may take a week or more before socializing with you and the other people in the home. During this time, you need to be patient to create a happy relationship with your cat in the coming days.

Cat-Proof Your Home

After deciding where you will adopt a new cat, choosing the one, you want to bring home, buying the essentials, and preparing a safe room for the cat, the next thing to do should be cat-proofing your home. That means preparing your furniture and other items to protect them from damage by the cat.

Even though you'll need some time to complete this, it doesn't have to be complicated. You only need to come down to a cat's position to understand the temptations and the ability to think like a kitty.

Take the Kitty for a Vet Visit

When your kitty arrives home, plan for the first vet visit soonest possible. You'll want to confirm if the cat is in good health, ensure they get the vaccinations, and get tested for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus.

During the first visit, ask the vet all the questions you may have concerning caring for a cat. The vet will explain the right diet for your cat and knowing when your kitty is unwell, among other things. It would be best if you then planned for a spay or neuter appointment for your new cat.

Know the Right Diet for Your Cat

The diet you introduce to your cat from a young age will determine its health and well-being for a long time. You need to understand the cat food ingredients to ensure your kitty feeds on a diet that provides them with a long and good quality life. Also, ensure your cat has fresh drinking water, primarily if they feed on dry food, because they need to stay hydrated.

Provide Enough Litter Boxes

Your cat needs a litter box. If you have more than one kitty, each should have its box, plus an extra one. Ensure to clean the boxes daily to prevent odor. Also, cats love using clean boxes. Place the litter box in a quiet place with no movements to prevent the cat from being distracted when using it.

Provide the Cat with a Scratching Post

Cats love scratching, so you need to provide a scratching post. Failure to provide a post will make your kitty scratch other surfaces, damaging your home furniture and items. Place the post in a convenient place in the house where the cat can easily access it to get the stretching and scratching exercises they need.

If you plan to adopt a cat, the above guide will let you know how best to care for your new friend, so they remain happy and content in your home. Ensure to get the things you need in advance to make the transition easier for you and the new cat.