Anytime you choose to get a new pet, you need to make sure that you have everything you will need to take care of that pet with. Cats need certain things so before you get your cat or kitten, you might want to make sure they have everything they need before they come to your home. Below is a list of the different materials you will need in order to make a home for your cat. The list will be followed in more detail as to what you need to consider with each item.
?Food bowl
?Cat food
?Water bowl
?Litter box
?Litter box materials
?Cat bed
?Scratching post
?Cat carrier
?Cat Toys
?Cat leash
?Cat collar
?Cat harness
?Grooming tools
Although these seem like simple items, if you have never owned a cat there are certain things to consider before you go out and buy the most expensive of everything.
You Cat Must Eat and Drink
The food and water bowl does not have to cost you a fortune. You do not have to go out and buy one with your pets name on it unless you want to. Mainly they just need to be easy to clean and heavy so they won't tip over easily. Because it is possible that your cat might be allergic to plastic, it might be a good precautionary note to opt for the stainless steel bowls. You also need to make sure that your cat has food and water in their bowls as well.
Litter Box and the Materials That Go In Them to Clean Up Messes
Unless you plan on teaching your cat how to use the toilet like in a popular movie, you will need to purchase a litter box and everything that goes in it. This involves the litter box, the scoop, and the litter. If you have a kitten it is important that the litter box is not so big that they cannot get into it, but on the other hand you need to get a litter box that is big enough for a full grown cat.
What many cat owners may not know is that the litter boxes that have hoods or covers may actually trap foul smelling odors and make your can unwilling to further use the litter box, so it may be a good idea to avoid these altogether.
Another helpful tip is to keep some sort of garbage container next to the litter box so that it will make it easier to scoop the box on a regular basis, just make sure that the container you choose will keep the odor inside the container and out of your room. The last item is of course to find litter that works best for you and your cat. There are many varieties that have odor control and clump better, what you choose is up to your own preferences.
Something to feed your pet in will be needed, of course. These don't have to be made just for dogs or cats, but it is a good idea to designate certain dishes for them.
Bowls made for pets do have some advantages. Many have rounded bottoms, and often these are the easiest for pets to eat from, especially if they are eating canned dog or cat food.
Some pet dishes have rubber feet or rings around them to make them "skid-proof", which is also a bonus. Bowls with round bottoms can't be tipped over by over-excited puppies.
When choosing pet bowls, stainless steel or ceramic are preferable to plastic. Plastic can leach toxic chemicals as they age. They are also harder to sanitize, as bacteria can invade the plastic as it wears. Plastic also scratches easily and cracks, and soft plastic can be chewed up.
A collar and leash is a necessity for dogs, and an option for cats. Cats can also be taught to walk on a leash if you wish to do so. While I don't recommend that cats be allowed to wander outdoors, if yours will be going outside then it should wear a collar.
Identification of some kind should be firmly attached to collars of both dogs and cats. Be sure to include at least your phone number and the name of the pet.
A place for the dog or cat to sleep is nice. This may mean a place on your bed, or a bed made especially for them. Older dogs and cats might benefit from orthopedic bedding. This is usually made from "egg-crate" foam. You can buy a premium bed, or make your own from a piece of the foam and an old sheet or blanket.
Cats will often ignore any bed you buy for them and choose their own spot - usually your favorite chair or the middle of your bed. However, there are a number of cat beds available that made for the way cats like to sleep. They provide small, snuggly spaces, or are tent-like, offering a nice place to hide.
Most dogs will benefit from having some toys, and for puppies they are a must. Interactive pet toys allow you to spend "quality time" with your dog or cat while providing the animal with some exercise. These would include balls for dogs and wand-type toys for cats.
Chew toys are essential for puppies. Their natural instinct is to chew, and puppies go through teething just like babies. Here is one area where buying new is preferred. It is not a god idea to give the puppy an old shoe, for example, to chew on, as that would imply that all shoes are puppy chew toys.
Squeaky toys can drive owners crazy, but they are good toys to leave for your dog when you go out. Many dogs enjoy throwing these toys up in the air and then pouncing on them. Just be sure your dog cannot easily chew the toy up and swallow the squeaker. Always supervise your dog when giving them any kind of new toy, and make sure that it is appropriate for that dog.
If you are planning on getting a new dog or cat, it is wise to have all the necessary pet supplies on hand before you bring the animal home.
Both Joshua Simms & Elyse Grau are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Joshua Simms has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Exotic Pets List and Pets. Learn about and. Joshua Simms's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Elyse Grau has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Pets and Food for Cat. Elyse Grau is an herbalist and a long-time pet owner, well-versed in pet nutrition and feeding. She is the author of Pet Health Resource, your web guide to a healthy, happy dog or cat. The website strives to answer your holistic pet health questions throu. Elyse Grau's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.