Absolutely Necessary Items:
- Cat Food: A few good brands of cat food are Science Diet, Nutro, Royal Canin, Iams, Eukanuba, Sensible Choice, and Innova. Remember, the better the brand of cat food (no by-products, high quality ingredients) the better it is for your cat. This will result in overall better health, shinier, luxurious coats and smaller stools. This means less smelly litter boxes, and less to clean up! It is often even less expensive in the long run to feed your cat a seemingly more expensive food because they don't need to eat as much of it due to its higher quality. It is generally easiest for both cats and their owners if you leave a bowl of dry food out all the time and then offer moist food as a treat.
- Cat Litter: We generally recommend using clumping cat litter because it makes clean-up easy and fast. Fresh Step is a highly popular brand and works well. The "step up" choice is World's Best Cat Litter, which is made from ground up corn and works excellently. It doesn't stick to the box like a brick and is very effective in controlling odor.
- Litter Box: If you want to control odors and contain the grains of cat litter, get a covered litter box with a filter on top. It still needs to be scooped at least once a day, preferably twice. There are also some enzymatic litter additives, such as Simple Solution Litter Box Deodorizer that are highly effective in controlling odor. The real keys to controlling odor are to make sure there is at least a couple of inches of litter in the box at all times and scooping often! Be sure to refill the box when you remove large clumps.
- Litter Scoop: You'll find that bigger scoops make cleaning faster and easier!
- Food and Water Bowls: You'll likely want two of each so that you can always keep one of each out while washing dirty ones. Heavy bowls are harder to tip over so you have less chance of a big mess! Ceramic ones are less likely to irritate your cat's chin, and are dishwasher safe!
- Carrier: The only safe way to drive with a cat is to have the cat in a carrier! Some people find it easiest to get the cat in and out if you get one that opens on the top, but sometimes the see-through top of the carrier can make them uneasy when inside. You can also turn a single door one on end and slide the cat in that way. Always put a towel or small bath mat on the bottom of the carrier for the cat's comfort, and use the carrier when transporting the cat anywhere outside the house.
- Vet Visit: We ask that you take your new pet in for a vet visit as soon as you can schedule one! All of our animals leave us in good health, but it is best to have a vet check them over and give them any vaccines they still might need!
- Scratching Post: Cats need to use their claws and should be trained to use appropriate surfaces! "Cat Trees" are ideal, but even the most basic scratching post will help! Cats especially like tall ones because they can stretch all the way up, giving themselves a good workout in the process. If you are a bit handy, you can make your own scratching posts and cat trees out of some lumber, carpet remnants, and sisal rope - this will be a lot cheaper than the pet store ones!
Optional Items:
- Claw Trimmer: Cats should have at least their front claws trimmed on a regular basis. This can be done wither with regular people-type nail clippers or with cat claw trimmers sold in pet stores. Always make sure not to cut into the quick of the claw. Nip off just the sharp ends, and you'll both be happier! If you do make the claw bleed, keep some animal styptic powder on hand. It's available in pet stores.
- Cat Brush: This is essential for long-haired cats and merely recommended for short-haired cats.
- Enzyme Cleaner: This literally eats urine, feces, vomit, and blood. You just spray it on and let it air dry - it gets out both the stain and the smell! We highly recommend the brand Simple Solution. It's amazing! Also, bear in mind that cleaning any urine stain with a standard household cleaner often only intensifies the ammonia smell to your cat, making them think it's okay to go there again. The enzyme cleaner destroys the source of the odor without damaging anything else. This takes away their desire to go back to that spot by permanently eliminating the odor. To clean up before applying the Simple Solution, just use a little warm water.
- Cat Bed: If the cat likes them, it will provide a nice comfy spot that is all their own - a sense of security. Before spending money on a fancy cat bed, you might want to try a cardboard box with an old towel folded up inside. This will let you know whether your cat likes using a bed or is happier elsewhere.
- Cat Toys: We strongly recommend the feather-on-a-stick toys as it always seems to be a cat favorite! Be sure that toys you give to your cat to play with when you're not around do not have strings or stretchy things that can be eaten when you're not looking. Fur mice and plushy toys that can be filled with catnip are also a big hit! Another popular toy is laser pointers - a lot of cats like to chase the dot!
- Cat Treats: Your cat can live without them, but most cats thoroughly enjoy treats! Buy these in small packages until you find out what your cat likes best and then you can stock up!
