Adopting a Cat Supply Checklist: Are You Kitty Ready?
June is Adopt-A-Cat Month! Before You Bring "Kitty" Home, Here Are Some Things to Have Ready!
If Adopting or buying a cat for your family there are some basics you should have ready. As with all new family additions, a new cat or kitten can be a handful if you are not prepared.
Going on-line, or to your local pet supply center, can be overwhelming if you don't have a plan. People love to spoil their pets and pets love to be spoiled. But walking out of a store with everything you think your cat will want won't ensure you have everything they need.
After researching several sites, including ASPCA.org, americanhumane.org, graspinc.org, and popular retail pet suppliers; I have compiled a common essentials checklist for getting your home "kitty ready".
Are you homeward bound with a rescued cat? If so you will need:
_Litter box (1 for each cat in your household)
_Unscented Litter (as much as you may like the scent, it's not healthy for kitty)
_Litter Scoop
_Cat Food (pay attention to your cat's age and choose food appropriately)
_Stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls (plastic is not recommended)
_Tall, sturdy scratching post
_Brush/Comb
_Nail clippers for trimming cat's claws
_Cat Bed or Window Perch
_Break-away safety collar
_ID Tag (and consider micro-chipping)
_Carrier (hard sided preferred)
_Tartar control cat treats (keep kitty's teeth healthy)
_Interactive toys like feathers, and catnip balls, bell toys (if you get toys that make noise you'll be able to hear where and when they are playing)
Make sure you make an appointment with a vet for a week after you bring home your new cat! It is a common practice for good reason. A veterinary professional will help you with the other supplies, medications, and tips you will need to keep your new friend happy and healthy.
Wondering where to get all of the things you will need? I am not in the business of plugging any one particular site on-line but I will give you a few ideas to get you started.
Other than your city or towns local pet supply centers, I would check out some of the following sites.
Check out www.aspca.org for more ideas on supplies, and tips to cat -proof your home. Also check with your local animal shelters for seminars on cat care.
For those of you adopting a shelter cat, thank you for saving a life!
Published by R.L. Spence
R.L. Spence is a single mother of 2 boys living on the east coast. Her writing is more than a simple hobby, it's a way of life. Writer for AC as well as Examiner ,SpeedwayMedia, Helium and EHOW. View profile
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