Adopting a cat or kitten is a decision that must be carefully considered and not taken on a whim. The arrival of the little monster must be well prepared in advance. The purchase of these 7 accessories is therefore essential!
1. The transport box
First of all, so that the cat(s) can reach your home, it is strongly recommended to purchase a transport box. It allows your cat to be safe during his first (and subsequent) journey. Thus, he will not have to endure external visual attacks to which he is not accustomed and will not be tempted to take a ride on the driver’s pedals or escape through the window.
There exists several types of crates. Plastic ones are the most recommended, they are easy to clean and sufficiently sturdy, but nothing prevents you from taking a travel bag, ideal for shorter journeys.
2. The bowls
Obviously, your cat needs two separate bowls : one for water and one for food. Purchasing bowls is not obligatory, you can make do with small plates or small bowls (adapted to the size of the cat) that you have at home. As these containers are not perfectly adapted, they can disturb the cat while it is feeding because his whiskers touch the edges from the container (and he really doesn’t like that feeling).
3. The litter box
Potty training is an essential step in a cat’s life. It must begin as soon as the cat(s) arrive in their new home. The litter box should be placed in a quiet place of the house to guarantee the peace of the cat when he does or goes to do his business. A cat stressed by noises or movements on the way to its litter box is likely to defecate in an unexpected place.
And open litter box allows the cat to continue to observe what is happening around it (and run away in case of danger). Paradoxically, a closed box will not allow this and the cat risks feeling less safe due to lack of visual control of its environment. Therefore, choose to purchase an open bin. So much for the smells…
4. Sleeping
All domestic animals, particularly cats, must have their personal spacea place that belongs to him in some way. It is therefore important to provide a sleeping (basket, cardboard, cushion, etc.) where he can rest in peace. You can even make it yourself.
If you have placed this bed in one place and your cat chooses another when it arrives, move it. It’s up to the cat to choose haven of peace. The main thing is that the cat knows that it will not be disturbed in “its place”.
5. Toys
The cat’s hunting instinct never really leaves it. It therefore needs prey, whatever their form, to express one’s nature. For this, he will make do with toys when he is indoors. There is no shortage of toys suitable for cats, you will always find one that will please them. You can buy them at a pet store or make them yourself, like this scratching post for example.
6. The cat tree
The cat tree is particularly indispensable because it brings together three elements that our little felines need: a scratching post, a bed and games, even hiding places! Everything you need to contribute to the cat’s well-being. The presence of this accessory in your home is all the more important if your cat lives indoors all the time.
7. The brush
Every animal asks minimal maintenance (and some more than others). The cat is no exception to the rule, which is why you must have at least one accessory for grooming it: a brush or a grooming glove for a short-haired cat.
It is recommended to brush your cat at least once a week, in order to remove dead hair. This prevents the cat from swallowing its hair when grooming itself.
