For many, the allure of a furry companion is undeniable, yet work commitments and housing constraints often stand in the way of making that dream a reality. While dogs may require more consideration due to their higher maintenance needs, cats offer a comparatively lower-maintenance option, bringing joy and contented purrs into our homes.

Once you’ve made the decision to welcome a new feline friend into your life, it’s crucial to ensure their comfort and safety. While cats generally demand less attention, grooming, and exercise than dogs, there are still several essentials to prepare for.

Quick Overview

Cat trees are a great way to add enrichment to your cat’s indoor environment.

Place the cat tree in a busy part of the house, where cats can perch and survey their territory.

Encourage your cat to explore the tree by sprinkling it with catnip or cat treats, or even feeding your cat in the tree.

1. Veterinary Care Your first step upon bringing a cat home should be scheduling a vet appointment. This visit is essential for deworming, vaccinations, and assessing overall health. Early check-ups can help identify any medical issues and set your kitty to optimal health.
2. Food, Water, and Litter Providing a consistent supply of food and water is fundamental. Consider investing in raised feeders for added comfort during mealtimes. Introduce your cat to the litter box immediately to establish good habits and maintain cleanliness. Explore different litter options, including flushable varieties, for easy disposal.
3. Safe Spaces Cats value their alone time, so designate quiet areas where they can relax and unwind. Whether it’s a cozy corner, an unused bathroom, or a dedicated cat house or tower, creating safe and secluded spaces is key to keeping your feline friend content.
4. Scratching Solutions To protect your furniture, provide your cat with a scratching post. Regular nail trims are preferable to declawing, which is painful and unnecessary for cats.
5. Indoor vs. Outdoor Consider whether your cat will be primarily indoors or outdoors. Assess the safety of your surroundings, particularly if you live near busy roads or areas frequented by other animals. Secure windows and balconies to prevent accidents, and always keep a collar on your cat for identification.
6. Cat Scratcher A furniture? For a cat? Sometimes what sounds silly to our ears might be a brilliant idea. Our kitties have a natural instinct to scratch and our good ‘ol couch turns out to be the victim. Cat scratchers save the day by giving your cat a dedicated space to let out that pent up energy and stress. Bonus point for keeping those kitty nails trim and healthy.