Cat Adoption Checklist & Considerations

Taking a cat into your heart and home is hugely rewarding. But from litterboxes to emotional preparations, adopting a cat can also be an overwhelming process. Whether it’s your first or the fifth kitty, there are the crucial adjustments around the house, and some shopping is needed before you introduce the cat to its new surroundings. We’ve compiled a nifty checklist of all the cat-adoption essentials for your four-legged companion to feel welcome and safe in their new home.

CAT ADOPTION CHECKLIST: THE MUST-HAVES

First things first, to adequately prepare for a new pet, you need to make sure you have pet-supplies. Here are some of the most important food tips, supplies, and accessories to consider when equipping your home for a new furry member.

Food

• Wet and dry cat foods

• Cat treats

• Food and water bowl

Your cat’s age, size and health condition will determine what type of food is best to opt for, and remember dry food is important for your cats teeth.

Needed accessories and bathroom basics

• Collar (and another spare)

• Identification tag

• Kitty litter box and litter

• Litter mat

• Scooper

• Variety of toys (chewy, catnip, wand, ball, interactive toys, etc.)

• Blanket or warm padding

• Cleaning supplies (absorbent wipes, smellneutralizers, non-toxic cleaning products, etc.)

If you’re a multi-pet owner, if you can afford to, get your new cat her own litter box. To prevent unpleasant odors and mess, invest in a closed litter box. Although some cats are more comfortable with open litter pans, a litter mat can do the trick and keep the bathroom area more approachable for cleaning.

As far as toys and playthings are concerned, be creative as much as possible. Mental stimulation is as important as physical, so try out interactive toys like puzzles, play mazes and castles and electronic gadgets created to improve cognitive performance in cats. If you’re on a budget, get out some shoe boxes and pieces of string and engage your kitty in some creative play!

Cat furniture

Depending on the space you have around the house, your cat will need a separate space to turn to. Although most cats like to cuddle up with their human parents, it’s best to get a comfy bed. Cat caves or cave beds are efficient as they are enclosed and cozy enough for the kitty to tuck inside and experience that much-needed sense of security.

Here is a list of cat furniture that may come in handy:

• Bed

• Carrier

• Cat tree

• Cat shelves Scratcher/scratching post

• Cage (if needed)

Since they are natural climbers, you can utilize the vertical space in a small apartment by installing cat shelves, trees, and scratching posts. Not only are they great for occupying their attention, but they are also fantastic space savers.

Grooming supplies

• Cat nail clippers

• Deshedding brush or comb (depending on the cat’s coat)

• Feline toothbrush and toothpaste

• Cat shampoo

Although cats are more or less self-sufficient in the grooming department, cats with thick coats need regular brushing to maintain shiny fur and avoid excessive shedding. Apartment cats may also need occasional paw washing or even bathing. Make sure to use pet-approved shampoos that are safe and gentle enough for feline skin and fur.

CAT ADOPTION CHECKLIST: THE MUST-DOS

Check out this list of feline requirements and add some to your plan before bringing a new kitty home:

• Decide on the primary caregiver – who is in charge of the cat’s care, food shopping, etc.

• Find a trustworthy vet clinic

• Check with the adoption centre about the needed medical procedures and checkups on your part (vaccination, tick/flea treatment, etc.)

• Licencing according to local regulations

• Choose a separate area just for your cat’s belongings, eating, sleeping and bathroom area

• Be mentally prepared for the adjusting time – get ready to tackle any possible behavioural issues, stress and anxiety that the cat may be facing

• Make sure to be financially prepared for a new pet

All of the mentioned points are very important for proper cat care and upbringing. However, at the end of the day, the most important point in your checklist should be to be willing to devote enough time and love to your animal companion and be prepared to incorporate him or her into your daily schedule. With that in mind, everything else will eventually sort out on its own.