Did you know that there are 88 million pet cats in the US? With their charming personalities and streak for independence, it’s no wonder that people are enamored with felines. And now that people are sheltering in place, the movement to adopt pets to save these sweet cats from sheltering in a pound has gained momentum. If your family is adopting a cat then you’ll definitely need to prepare to help your new furry friend feel welcome in their forever home.
With just a few important items, you can create a special home for your newly adopted cat. From how to feed and care for your cat to where they’ll sleep and how to keep them entertained, we’ve got all the stuff you’ll need right here. The only thing we can’t do is come up with the purrfect name for your new pal.
1. Every Cat Needs a Condo
Ok, probably not every cat needs a condo but this one is seriously amazing. Not only will your cat have a cozy and safe place to sleep – or hide when the kids get rambunctious but it also provides an opportunity for your cat to scratch and climb.
Cats love to scratch and for good reason too. Not only does it give them a chance to stretch their bodies, which feels really nice but it helps them to shed their outer claws, which is important. They also have a natural drive to leave their scent around but let’s be real, no one wants to have scratched up furniture, which is why the Faux Fur Cat Tree Condo is pretty darn awesome.
You can get one from Chewy here!
2. Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Ok, one particularly weird but true fact about cats is that they have a natural inclination to bury their poop. You might think it’s because cats love to be clean but the real reason is it because each cat has their own distinct fecal scent markers, which they use to communicate with other cats. Basically, when a cat buries their poop in the wild, it tells other cats to stay away. Marking territory by burying their poop might be strange but it’s a powerful instinct for your furry friend.
That’s why you must have a cat box with a good quality litter to help keep your home clean and – well, not smelling like cat poop. Look for a clumping cat litter that also has odor busting elements to keep your cat box smelling fresh and your little friend happy.
3. Toy Variety Pack
Cats love to chase and play. It’s true! It’s also part of what makes them so much fun to include your family. But unlike dogs, you can’t just toss a bone around the yard and hope for a solid game of fetch. Cats love to hunt and they need toys to work out their energy – just like kids!
We love these Smarty Kat Skitter Critters because not only are they cute and small (no toy clutter!) but some of the toys contain catnip, which cats absolutely go bananas for. Your cat will spend hours chasing, ambushing, and rubbing their whiskery faces all over these fun toys. Bonus? You can store them in the cat condo when playtime is over.
You can get them on Chewy here!
4. Premium Wet Cat Food
You might be wondering what a cat eats. In the wild, they hunt for birds and small prey at night, which may explain why they like to snooze all day. Their claws are precision weapons meant for gripping their prey as they kill them for their dinner.
At home, though? Dinner is probably wet food in a cute bowl. Every cat needs a balanced wet food that is full of all the nutrients and proteins their bodies need to stay graceful and energized, which why we really dig on Fancy Feast. Make sure your cat has fresh, clean water to drink along with their dinner and they’ll be purring happily in no time.
5. Tick Prevention Collar for Cats & Kittens
Did you know that cats can naturally repel and kill ticks and fleas by rolling in dirt? It’s a cool trick that works for cats in the wild but maybe not so cool for your cat who likes to sleep on your bed. Not only can fleas cause skin diseases but they can also pass on tapeworms, which is unsafe and unhealthy. Cats can also bring ticks into your home, which can bite humans and cause Lyme disease.
That’s why it’s so important to find a flea and tick control that works. Fleas and ticks are not only pretty yucky parasites but they can make your cat – and your family – quite sick. The Seresto 8 Month Flea and Tick Prevention starts working within 24 hours of application and will keep your kitty safe for a full month before you need to reapply.
