Cats have a reputation for being more aloof than their dog counterparts, but they can love and adore their owners just as much. Cats are highly intelligent, clever, and can be downright hilarious just doing their everyday thing. For those who love cats, there is no better pet. They suit those with a variety of lifestyles because they are capable of being left home alone and require far less direct care than dogs. This makes them a great companion, but you do still have responsibilities. By following this guide, you’ll know what information you need to research, and how to prepare before you bring your new kitten or cat home.

First is finding where and whom you will get your cat. Is it from your friends or relatives or do you want to adopt a cat from your local animal shelter? Alternatively, you can look up online and search for cat breeders near me so you will get an idea of where to visit and which breed to choose.

What You Need to Buy 

You need to buy: 

1. Litter box 
2. High-quality litter 
3. Bowls 
4. Food
5. Scratching posts 
6. Toys 
7. Grooming supplies
8. Cat carrier

How to Prepare Your Home 

Prepare your home! If you have had a cat before you know just how flexible and curious, they are. They will find their way onto practically every surface, and even find their way into cupboards and other small spaces if you aren’t careful. 

Some tips to help cat-proof your home and keep your cat safe include: 

1. Check washing machine, dryer, and similar machines before you turn on in case your cat got in before the cycle. 
2. Organize your cables and strings. Cables, in particular, should be organized and protected against so your cat cannot hurt themselves. 
3. Have storage boxes with lids for all your crafts for easy, cat-protected organization 
4. Check to see if any of your plants would be poisonous to cats. 
5. Keep medication, cleaners, and chemicals locked away. 

Vet Visits and Health Tips 

There are a few ways to keep your cat healthy. If you are ever concerned, get in touch with your vet. 

• Know What to Expect in a Healthy Cat 

The best way to keep your cat healthy is to know what to look out for. Of course, it is important to remember that every cat is different, so if they pee three times a day, every day instead of the standard two, this is within their normal.

It’s when your cat goes outside of their normal. Typically, the behavior you will want to watch out for is their eating and their excrement. As you can learn from this article What Your Cat’s Urine is Telling You | Diamond CARE the smell of your cat’s urine can tell you a lot about your cat’s health. If there is a significant change, seek out veterinary help. 

This applies to their eating habits, as well as their behavior. Big changes often mean a health change. 

• Get Your Cat Spayed 

Spaying or neutering your cat is very important, as feral cats and cats whose breeding is left unchecked actually run the risk of developing several diseases. Neutering them can also help with their health. The only time you don’t need to do this is if you intend to breed your cat, but in these cases, you need to make sure they stay inside and don’t run off at any time.

• Do Not Declaw 

Though spaying your cat can be the best thing for its health, you should never declaw your cat. Many places forbid or have outlawed this practice entirely.