Shopping for the 1st Feline in the Family?

Before you bring home your new feline friend, there are several things to gather to make sure your cat will feel comfortable and become a member of the family member as soon as possible. At the very least, you’ll need a way to carry your cat home, food, food and water bowls, a litter box, litter, and a few toys. Once your new cat is home, you will be able to see where they like to perch and sleep, and then consider adding nice-to-haves like a cat tree or a cat bed. To reduce your stress, be sure to do this a few days in advance of bringing home your new Little Buddy. 

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Shopping List:

Durable Cat Carrier: Consider style (soft/hard), ease of entry/exit (top/side entry) and overall size...think ahead...your cute little kitten will grow quickly.    Litter Box(es): Larger homes should consider placing boxes in multiple locations/levels around the home. Consider purchasing extra boxes, so you have one ready to go while the other is being cleaned. There are also disposable, covered, high-sided, and low entry (older cats) options for litter boxes.   Cat Litter: Odor control is important, but choice of clumping/non-clumping, scented/unscented, clay/organic are personal preferences.   Cat Litter Mat: These are not essential, but really help catch litter granules before they are tracked around your home.   Wet and Dry Cat Food: If you have a kitten under 8 months old, be sure to purchase food formulated for kittens. Consider asking the Foster Parent what your Little Buddy is currently eating. You can then slowly transition to your preferred brand by gradually mixing in the food.   Food Dishes and Water Bowls: Make sure the bowls are shallow and shatter-proof. Purchase several so you always have a fresh one. Consider a Cat Water Fountain to encourage hydration with moving water.   Cat Toys: Feather sticks, crinkle balls, and catnip toys are feline fan favorite options. Cats will play with almost anything, so there is no need to go overboard shopping. Something as simple as an old ribbon or tennis ball make great toys and you may already have around the house.    Scratching Post/Tower:  Pawing at things is a natural behavior for cats, so give your cat somewhere to scratch and save your furniture.   Places to Perch: Cats love to watch the room from above, so consider adding a Cat Tower or a Window Perch so they can watch the birds outside.