How to prepare your home for a kitten
It’s important to make sure your home is prepared before you bring your cat or kitten home for the first time. You need to make sure that when your new cat arrives at your home, you will be sure that you and your home are ready for it and you can spend time playing together and getting to know each other in a comfortable environment.
1. Think like a cat
It’s a good idea, if you’ve never owned a cat before, to crouch on the floor and look around the room from a cat’s point of view. See the things that can irritate the cat. Check for potential danger to the cat. With a flashlight, check under the couch and look in smaller areas that a human can’t easily reach but might be tempting for a cat to explore. Keep a list of potential hazards you find.
2. Eliminate temptation and hidden dangers
Start by moving any small breakables, irreplaceable items, or valuables out of reach. Remember that cats can climb or jump, so out of reach is a term used loosely when considering cats. When possible, store valuables in a closed container.
Hidden dangers are also everywhere, but one important factor to remember that many homeowners don’t realize is poisonous plants. Cats are often attracted to movement and the plant’s leaves move with even the slightest breeze, prompting them to explore the plants by biting as well as pawing. If you have poisonous plants in your house, be sure to move them to another part of the house or hang them out of reach.
Remember that cats are also curious about anything that hangs or swings, such as blind cords, telephone cords or electrical cords. Bitter apple can be sprayed on ropes that cannot be moved out of reach or securely fastened. Bitter Apple is a special spray that is a harmless but unpleasant-tasting substance.
It is also vital to ensure that there are no pest poisons nearby.
3. Make some areas off-limits
It is important to dedicate a part of the house that will be considered off-limits to the cat. If a room is used regularly or has no doors, it should not be off-limits to your cat. An unused bedroom would be a good place to store contraband or a loft. One place that should always be considered off-limits is the garage, as there are too many chemicals and hazardous materials.
4. Shop till you drop
Food and water dishes, as well as a litter tray and toilet are obvious essentials.
Scratching posts are a very good investment and come in a variety of styles and sizes. A scratching post will help keep your furniture safe and your cat happy.
A cat bed is essential, although some cat owners allow their cats to sleep with them. If this is the case, you should still purchase a cat bed so that your cat can use it throughout the day, for short cat naps, or at night.
5. Stock the pantry
Finding out which food your cat prefers can be done by talking to its previous owner. If this is not possible, then pay special attention to the needs of the cat based on its age or physical condition. Kittens need food that contains more nutrients, and overweight cats can be put on a special diet.
Food and water bowls should be ceramic or metal. If you will be out of the house for a long period of time, consider automatic food and water servers.
6. Waste tray
The litter tray should be placed in a place that is easily accessible for the cat. Do not place the litter tray near busy areas and out of reach of curious dogs or small children. Place the litter tray on a hard surface, if you place it on a soft carpet then you may mistake that carpet for the real litter tray. Once you bring your new cat home, she will let you know what type of litter box and tray she prefers.
7. Toys
Cats are born hunters, but they also love to play. The game offers you, as the owner, the opportunity to bond with your new cat and help the kittens develop. All pet stores have a wide variety of toys. Buy toys based on your budget, your living situation and what your new cat’s preferences might be. If your cat likes to chase things, then buy a ball, or if he likes to lie on his back and catch things, then buy hanging toys. If it is an older cat, small toys will be more effective, as an older cat is not always interested in chasing toys. But with a kitten, the sky really is the limit!
8. Cat carrier
A cat carrier is a necessity, even if you plan to keep your new cat indoors. To begin with, you will need a carrier to pick up the cat from the shelter or pet store. Trips to the vet are also necessary in many cases requiring the use of a carrier. A cardboard litter box can be used as a short-term solution, but it is recommended that you purchase a sturdy plastic litter box that will keep your cat comfortable and secure while traveling.
9. Haircut
Grooming is one of the most important parts of your cats lifestyle. It is important to groom your cat regularly to prevent shedding, fleas or irritated skin. Grooming is also very important to your cat’s health as it helps prevent hairballs and ingrown nails that can be problematic. You should make sure you buy a fine tooth comb and a pin brush with a rubber base for detangling. If you are considering trimming your cats nails yourself, you should purchase a nail clipper that is specifically designed for cats. If you don’t want to trim your cat’s nails yourself, visit your local vet or grooming salon. One thing is for sure, if your cat is used to being groomed then she will enjoy it as much as the game.
Once you have established all of the above, you will undoubtedly have hours of fun and enjoyment playing with your new pet cat. A cat is a very peaceful animal to have in your home and provides a huge amount of love.
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