A Beginner's Guide to Cats – Meow Indeed!

Let’s be real for a moment, cats, no matter what species, are some of the most animated and weird little creatures out there. They show you affection by bringing you dead rodents and birds and by making a guttural sound that is very similar to a running motor. But when you show them affection, they gracefully scatter away.

Plus, they have this whole “if I fits, I will sits” reaction that can sometimes end up in them being in hilarious conditions. But no matter how otherworldly they seem, cats are the epitome of cuteness and sass.
So it doesn’t surprise us when you decide to bring the menace home and adopt a cat. So to help you truly embrace becoming a cat person, we have compiled a brief beginner’s guide to cat care.

Before you bring the feline home, there are three things you need to know before you fall in love with one of the cats at the shelter.

Number 1: Cats Cost Money

We understand that all you want is a better home for the kitty, but the reality is that cats can be expensive. You’ll need to buy food, toys, grooming accessories, litter, furniture, and vet fees for the rest of the kitty’s life.

Number 2: Cats are their own Individual

Just like humans, cats have their own personalities. Some are born to love human affection and love while others are full to the brim with sass. But eventually, you grow to love their quirks.

Number 3: Cats Require a Stable Home

If your job or living situation isn’t quite stable yet, hold off on adopting a cat. Cats get stressed if they are moved from one place to another. Once you’ve settled into a home big enough for you and the cat, away to the shelter to go!

Let’s get down to the basics right away.

1. Set up one room as the cat room for the first few weeks. Coming into a new home means new sounds, smells, faces, and spaces. It can overwhelm the kitty. Designate one room where you can keep the litter box, food, and toys in one place so it can slowly acclimate to your home.
2. Give the cat its space. For the first few days or even a week or so, your new cat may hide. Make sure you give it a hiding place in the cat room. You don’t have to get expensive kitty condos right away. A simple paper bag on its side will do.
3. Kids and other adults in your home may want to pet the cat straight away and who can blame them? But be strict about not giving the cat the time to first get used to you and your home. If the cat wants, it can approach new people or not. Don’t bring your cat out forcibly or it might get scared of you toand your home. If the cat wants, it can approach new people or not.
4. When it comes to new pets, keep the new cat separate for the first few days. You have to be very patient when introducing a new animal.
5. Kitty proof your home by removing fragile items, tying up chords, closing doors and drawers, and putting away open foods.

With that out of the way, let’s get down to the things you’ll need for the new feline emperor of your household:

1. Food and water along with the vessels. For the food, you can choose between wet and dry food. Cats can be very picky so we suggest that you buy small packets to let the cat try out the food. You can also ask the shelter what they were feeding the cat before you adopted it. If you want to change that, do it slowly. The best way to go about cat food is by consulting a vet. As for the food and water bowls, anything that is big enough for their face should be good. 
2. Litter and litter box. Along with food, these are the essentials. Continue using the same one the shelter used or a basic unscented, clumping litter will do. If you are adopting a young kitten, the litter box shouldn’t be too large. For big kitties, open tray litter boxes work the best. You can get covered litter boxes, but they can make your cat feel trapped.Make sure you clean the litter with a slotted litter scoop once a day and change the litter once a week.
3. Furniture and toys. These are accessories that you can buy after you bring the cat home. You have endless options to choose from. Make sure that they are made from high-quality material.

Lastly, a vet is the other most important human in your cat’s life. Do some research and find a reputable vet near your neighborhood. Take your cat there before bringing it home for necessary vaccinations and neutering/spaying and then follow up with regular visits as suggested by the vet.

If you live in Fayetteville, NC, Cliffdale Animal Hospital is at your service or rather at your cat’s service. Whether your cat needs a regular checkup or you have some concerns, feel free to contact us.