It’s incredibly exciting to bring a pet home, but it’s also important to be prepared, especially when it comes to getting a cat. Not only should you think about the basic needs of your new feline friend, but you should also consider when to neuter your cat, when to get them the necessary vaccines, and many other important health and space aspects to prepare for.
Below, we detail some of the most important tasks you need to do before and after getting a cat.
Setting Up Basic Needs for Your Cat
Like humans cats have 3 basic needs:
- Water
- Food
- Shelter
Water is easy to get, and shelter they’ll get from your home, but food is important to cater to the needs of your cat. Getting as much info as possible about any food sensitivities or digestion issues when you get a cat from a family or shelter is very important so that your new feline can eat well. Cats are obligate carnivores and get their protein from various types of meat so make sure to buy accordingly.
Taking Care of Your Cat’s Health and When to Neuter a Cat
Also like people, cats need vaccines to stay healthy and protected. It’s a good idea to book an appointment with a local veterinarian as soon as possible to set up a schedule to get them their shots doled out appropriately. Also, make sure to buy and place a litter box in a quiet place that’s free of frequent activity. It’s definitely worth it to invest in good fragrance-free cat litter too.
Because neutering your kitten is done best when they’re still young, it’s a good idea to neuter them after around 6 months. However, if you got a cat after this period check with a veterinarian if it’s still a safe procedure to do.
Toys and Tech for Cats
Cats need toys to stay stimulated and healthy as they are naturally curious and playful. More than anything though, you should get them a scratching post. If you can train them to just use the post you can save yourself on a lot of furniture purchases. Other good toys to buy include squeaky toys, feather teaser, catnip toy or laser pointer.
In terms of tech, it can be beneficial to purchase a cat collar that enables you to track their position if they are an outdoor cat.
Once you’ve got all the necessary preparations for your new kitten or cat, they’re sure to love their new home with you.