Monday, June 13, 2016

Top Tips To Prepare Your Home For A Cat






The summer forecast is calling for cats, cats and more cats because June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! With that in mind, it's a great time to head to your local animal shelter to bring home a new furry friend. Adopting a shelter cat can make a difference for felines in need because there are approximately 3.4 million waiting to find forever home. Unfortunately, less than half of shelter cats (1.4 million) are adopted each year and your local shelter is looking for people just like you to take a feline home. Since Adopt a Shelter Cat Month was established to bring awareness to the high number of homeless kitties looking for a home, let's take a look at some tips to prepare yourself and your house for a new cat!

Huge Variety To Choose From
Animal shelters across the country are filled with all kinds of cats and that means you'll have some decisions to make when choosing one or more to join your family. From domestic short hairs to Persians to Maine Coons and more, you'll be surprised at the number of breeds available! It goes without saying that cats some in all different shapes, sizes and colors, but one thing is for sure, take one look at their eyes and you'll fall in love – no matter what they look like. While you check out the available cats, be sure to ask the shelter staff how the breed behaves because you'll want to choose one that can fit your lifestyle. Some breeds are more energetic or cuddly than others, so do some research so you can pick one that'll suit your preferences. Also, bear in mind they have their own unique personality, so it may take some time to gauge how they will behave in your home.

Stock Up
Before you head home with your new furry friend, it's important to get all the supplies they need before you let them loose in your house. Sometimes new pet owners will bring them home first out of excitement and then realize they don't have any supplies! With that in mind, you'll need the following basics:

  •  Litter box & litter 
  •  Food bowl & water bowl
  • Collar & a cat carrier

The above items are the bare necessities, so let's take it a step further! Head to the local pet supply store and pick up cat toys – they'll need some stimulation during the day when you're not home, so consider some fun toys for them. Things like balls, stuffed mice (the ones filled with catnip are always a favorite among felines), a scratching post (you don't want them to scratch your furniture) and a cat tower (usually has a few vertical levels with little cubby holes). Additionally, if you have other pets or just want to be extra cautious, order flea prevention for cats online because you'll typically find lower priced medication.

Visit The Veterinarian
After you've taken your new furry friend home, schedule a visit with your vet for a general wellness check. Even though most shelter cats are updated on their vaccinations, it'll provide you with the extra assurance that your cat is healthy and happy. On top of that, the cat you may have chosen could have been a new addition to the shelter, so it may not have been neutered or spayed yet. The vet can provide you with that service and give you some more insight on caring for your new cat.

Are you ready to make a difference this month by adopting a shelter cat?

No comments:

Post a Comment