Cats make great pets.You will need to be prepared when you first bring your cat into your home.Preparing your home in advance and having what you need on hand is important for getting a pet.
Step 1: Look for strangulation risks.
Cats will play with anything they can find.The cords on blinds could be a potential strangulation hazard if you look around your rooms.Try undoing the knot or cutting the cords at the bottom.Some companies are making blinds that don't pose a hazard to children.If your cat catches its neck between slats, it can become a strangulation hazard.
Step 2: Check for other physical dangers.
Small items can be dangerous to cats and kittens.Move cords out of reach or cover them with plastic tubing.If your cat can't get rubber bands or paper clips, put them in drawers or jars.Knickknacks are more difficult.Cats are great jumpers and can be put on higher shelves.You might need to put things behind the glass.
Step 3: The chemicals should be kept out of sight.
Cats are exposed to many household chemicals.Think cleaners, pesticides, and car fluids.Put all the chemicals in cabinets that the kitty won't lick or drink from.Cats are attracted to chemicals that taste sweet, so they may lick them.If your cat isn't allowed in the garage, you can keep them there.
Step 4: The plants are toxic.
Plants in the house are toxic to cats.Cats are curious and will often bite on any plant they find, even if you think your cat knows which plants are not to eat.Some common toxic plants include, but are not limited to, lilies, baby's breath, irises, and ivy.Hang them from the ceiling or move them to high ground.Fall leaves can be toxic, so be careful.They can be moved to a room that the cat doesn't go to.
Step 5: Beds for your cat are needed.
One way to help is to give your cat a special bed.Giving your cat its own bed can make it feel more comfortable, even if you don't expect it to stay off the furniture.If you want the cat to stay off furniture, you need a bed in every room.It doesn't have to be a fancy bed.A folded up blanket or a nice flat pillow will work.Consider placing them in places that cats will like.
Step 6: Get an ID tag.
If your cat ever runs away, an ID tag will help return it to you.The ID tag should have the cat's name on it, as well as some contact information for you, such as a phone number.There are machines in most pet stores.If your cat gets it stuck on something, choose a breakaway collar.Your cat won't be killed by the collar.A harness is another option.A harness has a loop around the neck and one under the first set of legs.Having a strap on the chest is a good idea, as the two loops are attached by at least one strap down the back.It's less likely that your cat will be killed by a harness because they're harder to wiggle out of.Is it a good idea to consider microchipping?A small chip is placed under your cat's skin.Your contact information can be found if your cat is taken to a shelter or vet's.
Step 7: You get food, water, and litter.
You will need a container for both food and water.It is easy to clean ceramic and glass.You will need a litter box.It's good to start your cat or kitten on the same food if you ask the shelter where you get it.Cats don't like bowls that are too narrow and deep.At first, think of a small bowl.The same kind of litter can be used in the new box if you know what litter the cat has used before.If you want to know what your cat likes, you may need to try several different litter boxes.
Step 8: Think about the things your cat likes to do.
Your cat likes toys.They can distract you from the destruction of other items in your home.You should have toys on hand, such as jingly toys and string toys.You may want a scratching post for your cat to make it easier to claw at furniture.The tall scratching posts are the best.Cats often stretch out for the process of sharpening their claws, so it should be at least long enough for them.
Step 9: Don't forget the tools.
You will need a brush for your cat.The type of cat you have affects how often you need to brush it.You will need clippers to trim the cat's nails.You can find a pair of pet claw trimmers at a pet store.
Step 10: Have a carrier ready for you.
If you want to bring your pet home, you need something to carry it in.A pet carrier is the best option.The hard-sided plastic will hold up better than the soft side.Make sure it has good air flow.Your cat will be safer in the car if you have a hard-sided kind.The best place to put the carrier is behind the driver's seat, if it will fit.
Step 11: There is a cat book on the desk.
If you've never owned a cat before, you may want to read a book about it.You can check one out from your local library if you don't want to buy one.
Step 12: A vet is a good place to find one.
Your cat will get sick when things happen.If you already have a vet, you can take it.If you have friends with pets, ask them if they have any recommendations for vets.It's a good idea to meet with the vet to see if you like him or her.It's a good idea to have a cat vaccine in place when you bring your cat home.If your cat isn't already neutered or spayed, you should.
Step 13: Make the room the cat room.
This room will not always be the cat's room, but if you confine it to one place for a day or longer it can make it feel safer.Once the cat ventures out, it can consider going back to its home base, which will make it feel more secure.It can seem like too much if you let the cat roam free.It can thoroughly explore the space before moving on to another room.
Step 14: A litter box is necessary.
Your cat will need a place to use the restroom at this home base.It's important to include a litter box.If you open the crate when you first bring your cat in, it will know where it is.
Step 15: Put water and food in it.
The cat needs to be in the same room with the litter box as it will need to eat and drink.Most cats don't like to eat in the same place they go to the bathroom, so try to separate them.The litter box and food should be on opposite sides of the room.It forces the cat to explore the whole room in addition to being preferable.
Step 16: Some toys should be added.
If a cat is not ready to play with you yet, toys are a good way to keep it entertained.You may want to keep some string-type toys for use when you can't supervise cats, because they are good toys to play with.
Step 17: Make sure you have a hiding place.
When cats first get to a new place, they feel the need to hide.It makes them feel safer if they hide.Make sure the room you choose has appropriate hiding places.A cat tunnel or a cardboard box is a good hiding place.If the bed is free from debris and dirt, it's a good place.
Step 18: It's important to have a place to sleep.
Don't forget to add a bed to your cat's room, even if you've placed some around your house.Even if you don't provide one, it will probably make its own place.A blanket or towel in a box is good for a few days.It gives the cat a place to hide if it wants to.
Step 19: Don't let other pets out.
If you have other pets, it's a good idea to slowly introduce the cat to them.It is a good idea to keep them out of the cat's room for the first couple of days.They can get to know each other's scent through the door, giving them time to adjust.
Step 20: Don't just throw the cat away.
The cat room is where you can get to know your cat.Go inside after the cat has been in the room for a while.Don't make any sudden movements, and talk soothingly the whole time.You may need to do this many times before the cat arrives.The cat can come to you.Don't try to drag it out.Let the cat smell you.It may run away if you try to pet it.Each person in the house will need to spend time getting to know the cat.You can try to get the cat to come play by waving a string toy around.