Thinking of adopting a cat? Have you ever had questions about what you will and will not need when you get home? If you have decided to adopt it, it is more than likely that the protector will give you information about everything you need and the steps to follow when you get home, but if this is not the case, we will help you!
Before the arrival of a new member to the family we tend to go crazy. Especially if you have not shared your life with an animal before, you will think that it needs more things than it really needs - marketing stuff! However, there are very few basic accessories for cats as you will have time to check.
The most important thing when a cat comes home is to provide peace of mind, reserve a room where it can take refuge until it gains confidence and let it be the one who looks for us. However, the following accessories are also essential.
Feeder and drinker
During the first four years that my cats were at home, I used ceramic bowls that had been stored in a closet for years. If you have something like that, perfect! If not, you will have no choice but to buy a feeder because it is undoubtedly one of the basic accessories for cats. My advice is that you bet on a ceramic one; the bowls in this material offer great durability, are easy to clean and weigh enough to avoid displacement and noise when the cat eats. But you could also go for a plastic or steel one with a rubber base; they are lighter and cheaper.
Cats must have fresh water always at your disposal, so you will also have to get a drinker. It is better to buy a separate one than to bet on a double feeder to use it as a feeder and drinker. If they are close together, the water will tend to get dirty when the cat eats. When it comes to size, you will have to be aware of the hours you are going to spend away from home. If you have doubts or fear that the cat will run out of water, a hopper drinker is always a great alternative.
Scraper
When cats they do not have access to the outside the scraper becomes an inescapable element. On the other hand, no cat should have it until they are sure that they fully trust us, so yes or yes a scratching post will be essential.
A scratching post provides well-being for cats. Not only will they be able to sharpen their nails on this one, they will also be able to use it to rest or play. If you also bet on one high enough that placed next to a window gives the new member of the family views, you will have double entertainment.
Bed
Don't spend a fortune on a designer bed! We do not forbid you to do it, but we cannot assure you that your cat will like it. During the first few days at home, a very fluffy blanket can become a great bed for them. Actually, a soft surface and a warm place is all they need to make their eternal naps comfortable.
Sandbox
You've probably heard of how clean cats are. And it is that in addition to spending several hours a day grooming themselves, they know how to use the sandbox from the moment they are born. exist sandboxes both open and closed. Whichever you choose, we advise you to first remove the upper part and place the litter box in a discreet and quiet place, so that the cat does not feel intimidated. Also, you should never place it near the feeder.
Toys
A shoelace becomes a valuable toy for them and helps to socialize them when they get home. Of course, you can substitute this for one of the many reeds with feathers and other accessories that you will find in pet stores and that generally drive them crazy. Other inexpensive and highly successful toys are furry toy mice and springs that they won't need your company to play with.
Brush
If you have adopted a puppy you are interested get used to the brush. In addition to helping to remove dead hair, thus reducing the damage that hairballs can cause, brushing is pleasant and relaxing for many cats. Especially during shedding time, both you and your cat will appreciate having this accessory at home.
These are the basic accessories for cats that you will have to provide them when they get home. At first it will be preferable put them all in the same room; a quiet room where they can be closed and feel protected until they trust you. Once your trust is earned, you can leave the stakes open for you to explore and meet the other house animals. And when you recognize the house, you can reorganize all your things and find a definitive place for them.