Essential Cat Care Tips For New Owners

Cats are wonderful companions, but first-time owners should be aware of the financial and time commitments involved in owning a cat. Cats can be expensive, with costs including food, vet visits, toys, and litter boxes. Owners should also be prepared for the time investment, as cats require plenty of playtime and attention. It's important to create a stimulating environment for your cat, with access to puzzle toys and opportunities for predatory play. Additionally, cats crave routine and need a safe space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. When introducing your cat to your home, it's best to start with a small area, such as a cat room, and gradually expand their territory as they become more comfortable.

Prepare your home for your cat's arrival

Set up a "cat room"

Your cat will likely be nervous when they first arrive at your home, so it's a good idea to set up a "cat room" where they can get used to their new surroundings. This could be a bedroom, bathroom, or office. Fill this room with all the cat essentials, including a bed, food and water dishes, a litter box, and toys. Keep your cat in this room for the first few days or weeks, until they feel more comfortable.

Make sure your cat has ample hiding and safe places

Cats need places where they can retreat, take naps, and seek refuge from too much activity. Provide hiding places such as under furniture, in high places like window ledges, inside cardboard boxes, or in their cat bed. You can also purchase a cat tower or drape a sheet or blanket over a chair to create some privacy.

Take stock of your plants

Cats love to chew on leafy, grass-like greenery, so consider moving these plants out of reach. Also, make sure to remove any plants that are toxic to cats.

Cat-proof your home

Cats are known to knock over cups left near the edge of tables, jump onto kitchen counters in search of food, chew on electric cords, and play with small items that they could accidentally swallow. Put away anything you don't want your cat to get into, and be sure to pick up small objects.

Provide a scratching post

Cats need to scratch to remove the dead outer layers of their claws, to stretch their bodies, and to mark their territory. Provide a socially acceptable scratching place, such as a corrugated cardboard scratcher or a tall scratching post.

Look at your house from a cat's perspective

When your cat is acclimated to your home, they may surprise you by climbing on top of upper kitchen cabinets or bookshelves. Make sure there is nothing on display that can be damaged or knocked off. Also, look for holes or registers that leave ductwork accessible and cover them up, as kittens can easily slither into these spaces.

Make sure your cat has ample hiding and safe places

Cats are predators and prey in the wild, so they instinctively hide to feel safe and secure. Hiding spots are especially important for cats who are new to their environment or who are being introduced to other animals. Cats need a safe space to adjust to their new surroundings, and they can feel vulnerable and scared if they are out in the open.

You can help your cat feel safe by providing ample hiding and safe places for them to retreat to. This could be under furniture, in high places like window ledges, inside cardboard boxes, or in their cat bed. You can also drape a sheet or blanket over a chair to create some privacy, or purchase a cat tower.

If you have other pets, it's a good idea to set up a 'cat room' where your cat can feel safe and find everything they need while they get used to their new home. This room should include their bed, food and water dishes, litter box, and toys.

It's also important to be mindful of dangerous hiding places, such as under recliners or couches with pull-out beds, or near sources of heat like furnaces or heaters.

Establish house rules and routines

Establishing house rules and routines is an important part of owning a cat for the first time. Cats crave routine, so it's important to be consistent in your daily care of them.

Firstly, it's helpful to determine who will be in charge of feeding and watering, cleaning the litter box, giving treats, and so on. Cats need food and water, a clean litter box, alone time, and playtime each day. You should also decide on a feeding schedule and stick to it. Cats are naturally nocturnal, so playing with them during the day can help them burn off energy and stay asleep at night.

In addition, it's important to establish boundaries for your cat. Cats need places to retreat, take naps, and seek refuge from too much activity. Provide them with a "cat room" or a safe space where they can go to feel comfortable and secure. This could be a bedroom, bathroom, or office, and should include their bed, food and water dishes, litter box, and toys. You can also create hiding places by purchasing a cat tower or draping a sheet or blanket over a chair.

Finally, it's important to be patient with your cat as they adjust to their new home. They may eat and drink less, hide, or act aggressively when you first bring them home. Let them adjust at their own pace, but make sure they eat, drink, and use the litter box within the first few days. Gradually introduce them to the rest of your home, always ensuring their food, water, and litter box are easily accessible.

Take your cat to the vet

Taking your cat to the vet is an essential part of being a cat owner. It is recommended that you take your cat to the veterinarian for a wellness visit within the first week of adoption. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and get the most out of your cat's vet visits:

Before the Visit

First, find a veterinarian that suits your needs. If you have a kitten, look for a vet that has experience with younger cats. If you have an older cat, you may want to find a vet that specializes in senior cat care. It is also important to consider the clinic's environment. Ideally, the clinic will have separate waiting rooms for cats and dogs or a large waiting room with enough space to keep them apart.

Before your cat's first visit, gather any relevant paperwork, including health records, vaccination history, and microchip information. This will help the veterinarian understand your cat's health history and provide the best care. Additionally, make a list of any questions or concerns you may have about your cat's diet, vaccinations, grooming, litter box training, or other topics. Remember, there are no silly questions when it comes to your cat's health!

During the Visit

During the visit, the veterinarian will typically perform a routine physical examination and review the paperwork to assess your cat's overall health. Depending on your cat's vaccination history, they may also administer any necessary inoculations to keep your cat up-to-date.

It is important to discuss preventative care with your veterinarian. Ask about implementing a routine parasite prevention plan to protect your cat from fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms, ear mites, and other pests. Talk to your vet about the best prevention products for your cat's specific needs.

After the Visit

After the initial wellness visit, your veterinarian may recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment for spaying or neutering your cat, if they haven't already been fixed. It is important to prioritize these procedures as they can help reduce unwanted behaviours and health issues in the future.

Finally, remember to schedule regular check-ups and keep up with your cat's vaccination schedule. By taking your cat to the vet regularly, you can help ensure they live a long and healthy life.

Play with your cat

Playing with your cat is an essential part of being a cat owner. It keeps your cat's brain engaged and helps them develop good socialisation skills. It's also a great way to build a bond with your cat and keep their mind challenged.

There are many ways to play with your cat, and it's important to find activities that your cat enjoys. One idea is to get them to chase a feather wand around the house. You can also try putting a treat in your hand and encouraging your cat to chase you up and down the hall. Clicker training is another interactive game that can help strengthen the connection between you and your cat.

Playing with your cat can also take the form of training them. Cats can be trained to use a harness and leash, which will allow you to take them on walks outdoors. However, this will require patience as cats will need time to adjust to the harness and may need to get used to it indoors first.

It's important to provide your cat with toys to play with, especially when you're not around. This will help keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. Toys can include interactive options, as well as those filled with catnip.

Frequently asked questions