What You Need to Know as a First-time Cat Owner

• Author: Jacob Greene
• Posted: 2024-08-29

When planning to welcome a kitty into your home, you want to know how best to make them comfortable and happy for the best stay. You also need to understand how to make the house welcoming when this is the first time you have done this, and the cat comes to a new environment. Before bringing the furry friend into your home, ensure to get enough litter boxes, scratching posts, feeding items, and play things. Here is what you need to know when planning to adopt a cat for the first time:
 

Help the Kitty Feel Protected and Safe

When your cat first comes to their new home, it might feel shy and take time before they get used to the environment. Therefore, make sure you make them feel as comfortable as possible. Initially, the kitty may hide from everyone in the house due to nervousness. Cats need time to adjust to the new sounds, smells, and environment.

Consider providing the furry buddy with their space to enjoy privacy and safety. Put a comfortable bed in the room for the cat to lie in when resting. Also, place a soft blanket on the bed and some toys in the room. You may also install some comfort zone calming diffusers in different parts of the house, especially in the room where the cat will spend the most time. The diffusers emit an odorless vapor to indicate the room is secure and safe for the cat. It works by improving the cat’s mental health. A cat that feels safe is less likely to scratch to respond to stress.
 

Choose a Vet for Your Cat

Before bringing the new member of the family home, get recommendations of the best vets in your area and select one for the cat. Then, when the kitty finally arrives, schedule an appointment for a check-up and vaccinations. You may also get a microchip for the cat. Preserve the microchip number and your cat’s photo in your phone for reference if they ever escape.
 

If You Have Other Pets, Introduce Your Kitty to Them Slowly

When you welcome the kitty home, take your time before introducing them to other pets, like the dogs, if you have some. Have a separate room for your new kitty and interchange them with other pets during feeding times. Place one pet’s blanket in another pet’s room and let them share rooms sometimes so they learn how to live together. Then, feed them in one area and check how they behave. If need be, separate them and keep trying until they get used to each other’s presence.
 

Choose the Right Litter Boxes for Your Kitty

A general rule is to have one litter box for each cat and an extra one. Since cats become jealous about their boxes, place the litter boxes in a spacious area. You may also introduce different litter boxes to your cat and see which one they prefer. Some cats prefer uncovered boxes, covered boxes, some with low edges, or others. Place the boxes in a quiet place and away from high foot traffic. Scoop the litter boxes every day and clean them once per week.
 

Feed Your Cat with High-quality Meals

Feeding your kitty on high-quality food will enable them to remain healthy and happy. You can get recommendations for the right food for your cat from the vet or a pet store near you. Avoid feeding human food to your cat. Keep anything dangerous out of the kitty’s reach. For example, don’t keep house plants that may be unsafe for your furry friend. Since cats love exploring, lock up things that might hurt your pet, like small objects and cleaning products.
 

Set Up Water and Food Bowls to Entice Your Cat to Feed

If you are a dog owner, you must know that they like feeding on cats’ food. Therefore, attach your cat’s food bowl to a window and let it be high enough that the dog cannot reach it. Often cats drink less water than they should. Set up filtered bowls in different areas of your home to entice the cat to drink more often. You may also provide your cat with a fountain bowl since most cats love running water. They find it tastier because it contains more oxygen.

As a first-time cat owner, welcoming the new friend to your home is the best joy of the days you’ll spend together. The above tips will help create the right environment so your kitty remains healthy and happy.