Essential Cat Supplies

Whether you are adopting an adult cat, or bringing home a new kitten, there are a few essential cat supplies that you will need to welcome your new kitty into your home.

Cat Litter and Tray
One of the key essentials,  a cat litter tray provides a defined and sanitary place for your cat to relieve themselves.  It is important to have the litter tray set up before introducing your cat into your home, and make sure that they can find is easily, in order for them to learn that this is the place that you want them to go.  

Cat litters vary a great deal in cost and quality, and some cats can be picky about the type of litter that they will use so you may need to experiment with a few brands before finding one that both you and your cat are happy with.

Cat Collar
Your cat’s collar can be as basic or as flamboyant as you want, but above all it should be comfortable.  If you are bringing home a kitten you will probably need to buy a smaller collar now and a full sized one in a few months.

Cat Bed
Although most cats will decide for themselves on the comfiest spot in your home and quickly take up residence there it is important that they have a space that is exclusively theirs, where they can feel comfortable and safe.  Cat beds are sold in a wide variety of sizes and styles,  so you can choose one that fits in with the decor of your home and the space available.

Food and Water Bowls
Your cat will need his own food and water dishes.  These should be kept at a comfortable height for your cat to reach easily.  Bowls with non-slip feet are great if you will be feeding your cat on a hard surface to stop the bowl from sliding around the floor.  Auto-feeders are also available which will make sure your cat always has the right amount of food when he wants it.  

Food and Treats
There is a wide variety of specialty cat food on the market, so choose the highest quality that you can afford and look for any varieties that are designed for your cat´s specific needs, for example if he is elderly, overweight or an exotic breed.

Grooming Supplies
Cats are great at keeping themselves clean, but it doesn´t hurt to give them a helping hand.  Brushing you cat regularly can help to decrease hairballs as well as reduce the amount of shed hair in your home.  You may also want to buy some basic healthcare items such as ear drops, claw clippers and flea and tick treatments.

Scratching Post and Toys
Cats need to scratch to keep their claws in good condition.  If you want to avoid them tearing up your furniture or even walls make sure there is somewhere for your cat to relieve this natural urge.  There are some amazing, elaborate scratching posts available that offer your cat places to play and rest as well as trim his claws, however there are also more cost and space saving options.  It is advisable to start small and work your way up, as with all things, cats can be particular about where they like to scratch.

Cat Carrier
You will need a secure way to transport your cat to and from vet visits.  Choose between soft and foldable carriers to more robust crates.  A great trick to stop your cat from becoming nervous while in his carrier is to keep it out in your home at all times, as an alternative bed.  Place a snuggly blanket inside and occasionally encourage your cat to get in by putting a treat or two inside.

Fun Cat Beds

There is no question that cats rule the roost!  If their favourite place to sleep happens to coincide with your favourite seat on the sofa you may face a constant battle of wills over who gets to spend time in the best place to chill out.  For this reason savvy cat owners know how important it is to give their cat an irresistible bed to sleep in.

Not only will this make it easier for you to enjoy a night relaxing in front of the TV without having to shift the cat but having a comfy bed provides a cat with his own space to provide a sense of territory and safety.

Cat beds are as varied as cat personalities, but here are some of our current favourite fun options:

Minou Plush Cat Cave
This luxurious cat bed provides a plush sleeping place for cats who like their privacy.  Trimmed with fur,  the cozy cave is an ideal option for cats who like to sleep hidden away from the prying eyes of the world.

Cat Sofa
Reclaim your place on the sofa by getting your cat their very own!  This cute cat bed looks stylish and fun in any living area, and is a comfy place for any cat to chill out while watching “Animals Do the Funniest Things”.

Moscow Cat Bed
This extra deep, soft plush bed is ideal for kittens and young cats who tend to sleep away most of their day.  The cute paw print design is adorable, and kittens will have fun clambering in and out of the gaps between the pads.

The Big Cheese
This colourful cheese shaped bed comes with a full portion of fun!  Three entrance holes give curious cats a choice of how to climb in and out of this bed, and the enclosed space gives them a feeling of safety.

Catwalk Collection Scratchpost Bed Combo
For cats who like to multi-task, this bed provides a soft place to rest with some fun play features.  The scratchpost is great for keeping claws in great shape, while the dangling pom poms are just begging to be played with!

Treat your cat to a new, fun bed today!

How To Pick Just The Right Cat Bed For Your Cat

Cats spend a lot of their time sleeping and lounging around and for this reason it is important that they have a comfortable place to do just this. Of course just going out and buying a bed for your cat does not necessarily mean that they will sleep in it. If you do not get one that fits their personality and behavior the bed will sit empty while your cat sleeps somewhere else.

One good thing to do before heading out to buy a bed for your cat is to watch and observe where they sleep on their own. Some cats like to hide where they cannot be seen while others love to get up high and lay on a shelf. This general tendency will give you the best clue on what type of cat bed will make them happy. For cats that like to hide away get a bed that has a cave design where they can snuggle in. While for those that like to sleep high get a perch type of bed that will offer a view. For cats that tend to lay in the sun or a warm spot no matter where it is there are beds that mount safely to radiators in order to provide them with that warm spot they are seeking.

Of course just picking the right design is only part of the search for the perfect bed for your cat. If they are too big to sleep in the one that you purchased they will not cramp themselves in and make the best of it. Make sure the bed you buy for your cat is big enough for them to stretch out and be comfortable in. If buying for a kitten remember that this bed may not end up being big enough so be prepared to replace it once they are close to being full-grown.

Getting Your Cat To Sleep In Their Own Bed

Few animals are known for their ability to be comfortable and sleep just about anywhere as cats are. But just like anyone else cats love to have a place of their own to sleep and be undisturbed. That is why it is very important for a cat owner to provide their pet with a bed that they will use and enjoy. Of course there are lots of cat beds available on the market in a huge variety of styles and designs. This can make it difficult for a pet owner to get the one that best suits their cat or kittens personality. If a cat does not like their bed or just flat out likes your bed better the result will be them sleeping with you, which can cause all kinds of problems.

Allowing your cat to sleep with you when they are small kittens may be cute at the time but once they get bigger this arrangement will not work out well for either of you. For this reason it is best to get your kitten used to sleeping in his or her own cat bed at a very young age. To get a bed your cat will use it is important to find out how they prefer to sleep. Some cats want to be safely tucked away where things cannot bother them so they will need a cave style bed. While others prefer to sleep on high spots making a bed or hammock in a tree ideal.

Once you have the bed for your kitten or cat then you need to get them to sleep in it. If you are lucky your cat will crawl in right away and see how comfortable it is and continue to use this as their bed. If not simply placing them after they fall asleep inside the cat bed will eventually train them to use their bed to sleep and not yours making it easier for your both to get a good nights sleep.