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Bringing home a pet can be exciting. However, it can also create problems if you’re not ready for it.

That is true even if you are getting a reputedly low-maintenance pet like a cat. Let’s take a look at a few things you should know before you bring a cat into your home. We’ll also share tips on how to make the transition easier for everyone, including your new pet.

Make Sure Everyone Is Onboard and Ready

You don’t have to have everyone in the family equally thrilled with the decision to get a pet cat, but you don’t want to bring a cat into a home where someone is hostile towards it. You’ll also have to make sure everyone is ready for the cat. You may need to teach young children how to properly treat them. You should review expectations on how it should be treated and what each person needs to do to care for it. Also, make certain no one in the home is allergic to cats before you adopt one.

You also need to make sure the cat you get is a good match. You don’t want to adopt a fearful or aggressive cat if you have young children in the home. A fearful animal may need a lot of attention and care to become tolerant of your family, and even once you’ve gotten them used to people inside of your home, what do you do when strangers come to visit? Though this will take a lot of overcoming, you can start by using the services of a pet sitter, such as the Comforted Kitty, to help build up your cat’s tolerance of people from outside the household. If you are dedicated and willing to be patient, you can help any cat meld into your family.

While adopting a more “difficult” cat can be very worthwhile, it could end up becoming a disappointment to a family, and especially children, that expected a lap cat. Similarly, a kitten may appear fun, but it isn’t a good choice if you don’t know how to train it to use the litter box.

You Need to Learn about Cats

Cats are not dogs. Nor are they fur-babies. They’re intelligent, independent creatures, each with their own personality. Learn about the proper care and feeding of cats. At a minimum, learn about how to cat-proof your house so you don’t regret adopting it. Find out the warning signs that the cat is sick, so you don’t let a problem progress or pay for vet bills to find out that nothing is wrong.

Get the Necessary Supplies

A litter box is first on many new cat owner’s lists, but it is far from the only thing you need to buy. A secure pet carrier is another, since you’ll need it to bring the cat home and take it to the vet for check-ups.

Then there are the little things. For example, you want to use the same litter substrate the cat is currently using to maximise the odds it adopts the new litter box. You’ll want a litter scoop. Food and water bowls need to be purchased. You can make the transition easier for the cat by buying the same sort of food they’re already eating. And don’t forget to get a few hideaways for the pet. You don’t need anything too extravagant, even open boxes are fine.

Buy scratching posts so your cat won’t get the urge to rip up your furniture. Pick up a few toys for the cat. This should be a mix of solo toys so they can play without your supervision in addition to interactive toys you can use with the cat. Your new cat will also need hairbrushes, though the type of brush depends on the cat’s coat.

You’ll Want Health Insurance for Your Pet

When you get a new cat, you’ll want to have it examined first. This allows it to be tested for diseases and start its vaccination schedule. Your new vet is also an excellent resource for answering questions you may have.

Also, know that you may want cat insurance to cover the costs of illnesses and severe injuries. Services like Everypaw offer a selection of policies, which could be suitable for you. Cover types include Maximum Benefit and Lifetime Cover, and both can look after the needs of your cat now and in the future.

Cat-Proof Your House

Cats are famous for playing with string, but they’ll shred cord, too. This is why you want to secure wires to baseboards and contain computer cords so the cat can’t damage them. Put secure screens on your windows so the cat can’t escape.

Put secure lids on trash cans if they are not stored in a cabinet. Keep small shiny objects like earrings where a cat can’t grab and swallow it. You may want to put toxic house plants out of reach or just get rid of them. Medicine and household chemicals likewise need to be kept out of reach of pets.

Conclusion

In an ideal situation, your new cat will be a companion for the next two decades. This is why you want to lay a strong foundation when adding one to your family. Make sure that you and your family are ready to make the commitment before you take on this important responsibility.

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