Tips, Tricks, and What to Know Before Adopting a Cat

Adopting a cat is an incredibly exciting time, especially if it is your first time doing so. However, there are some things that you will need to do to prepare for your new furry friend before you bring them home.

In addition to having some supplies already at home, there are some things that you will also need to consider before you welcome a cat into your home. For instance, you will need to make sure that owning a cat will fit in well with your lifestyle and which type of cat will fit in the best with your family.

In this article, we will be explaining everything that cat lovers need to know about adopting a cat. This will include what products you should purchase before bringing your new feline friend home as well as how you can choose the right cat for you. In addition to this, we will also be giving you some other tips and tricks regarding adopting a new cat. Let’s get into it!

What Things do You Need Before Adopting a Cat

Of course, it is a good idea to have some supplies already in your home before adopting a cat. Here is a short list of supplies that you will need.

• A litterbox
• Cat litter
• A scooper to clean the litterbox with
• Cat food
• Food and water bowls (A cat water fountain is also a great option.)
• A place for your cat to hide
• Grooming tools like claw clippers and a brush
• A scratching post
• A cat tower or a place for your cat to climb
• A variety of cat toys
• A break-away collar (if your cat will be going outdoors)

You may want to add more supplies to your home over time. However, the above list will give you a great place to start when adopting a cat.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Adopting a Cat

Before adopting a cat, it is a good idea to ask yourself some questions and answer them honestly beforehand. Here are some things that you should ask yourself before adopting a cat.

• Does my home or apartment allow me to own cats?
• Are the people I live with okay with me adopting a cat?
• Will my other pets (dogs and cats) get along with a cat?
• Can I afford to own a cat? (don’t just think of food, but also things like vet visits.)
• Will a cat fit in well with your lifestyle?
• Are you ready for the responsibility of taking care of a new animal?

If the answer to all of these questions was an honest yes, then it is safe to say that you are ready for your new feline friend!

Plan Ahead Before Adopting Your Cat

In addition to purchasing supplies for your new cat, it is also a good idea to do some research on the vets in your area before bringing your cat home. This is especially true if this is your first pet and you do not have a vet that you go to already. Researching nearby vets will prepare you for an emergency before it occurs. If you’re located near Terre Haute, IN, then Brown Veterinary Hospital is ready to meet you and your new cat! You can call us at 812-645-0715 or request an appointment today.

How to Pick the Right Cat for You

There are many different kinds of cats out there, and they can have a wide array of temperaments and personalities. Here are the main things to consider when choosing the right cat for you.

• Do you have a lot of visitors? Then having a more social and outgoing cat will be important.
• Do you have kids? Then you will need a cat that is good with kids. (You will also need this if kids come to your home often or if you are planning on having kids in the future.)
• Do you have a dog? Then you will need a cat that does well with dogs. (You will also need this if you are planning on getting a dog in the future.)
• Do you have other cats? Then you will need a cat that is good with other cats (You will also need this if you plan on adopting more cats later.)

Is it Better to Adopt a Kitten or an Adult Cat?

The answer to this question depends on how much time you plan to spend with your new cat. This is because kittens are much needier than adult cats, and they tend to need more attention. Adult cats tend to be easier to take care of than kittens as well.

However, if you want to experience taking care of a kitten and have the time to do so, then you should go for it! You could even adopt two if you are feeling very ambitious. They will likely become close friends.

If you decide to go with an adult cat, there are plenty of benefits. Adopting an adult cat means that you will already have an idea of their personality, so there won’t be any big surprises as they age. You will also be giving a home to a cat that has so much love to give but may be often looked over in favor of a younger kitten. Remember, cats are only kittens for a few months. They will be an adult with you for many years. If you can overlook the time spent with them as a kitten, there are many adult cats looking for loving homes.

Tips for Acclimating Your Cat to Their New Home

Moving to a new home is a big change for a cat, and cats will acclimate to their new environment at different rates. Here are some tips for acclimating your new cat to your home.

Set up a Quiet, Closed off Room for Them

When first bringing your cat home it is a good idea to set them up in a small, closed-off room at first. This will allow your cat to get used to you in a low-stress environment. Here your cat can also get used to the new smells and surroundings that are in your home. If you have any dogs or other cats, then it is a good idea to bring some of their items into the room. This way your new cat can get used to their scents before meeting them.

Slowly Introduce Your New Cat to Other People and Animals in the Home

Once your cat seems pretty confident around you, you can then slowly and cautiously introduce your cat to the other people and animals in the house. (If there are any.) It is best to do this one new individual at a time, and you should immediately end any interactions that are causing your new cat stress.

Expand Their Environment When They Seem More Confident

Once your cat is confident in their environment and has successfully met the other members of the household, you can expand their environment. Now your cat is an integrated member of your family!

Conclusion

Adopting a new cat is always exciting. These tips and tricks should help you find the best-fit cat for you and your whole family. Once you bring your new kitty home to Terre Haute, IN, bring them to Brown Veterinary Hospital. We will look over your cat to ensure they are in great health, and help to treat them if they are not. Call us today at 812-645-0715, or request an appointment online.