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.

How To Avoid Cat Carrier Chaos!

Every cat will need transported at some point or another, but for most pet owners as soon as the dreaded cat carrier appears, their feline friend is suddenly nowhere in sight.  Few cats sit happily in their carriers, with most disliking being restrained in a small space against their will.  Add in an uncomfortable experience in a bumpy car, or a particularly difficult visit to the vet and a cat will quickly associate the cat carrier with all things bad.  Here are some tips on how to end the typical struggle of getting your cat in and out of their carrier.

1.  They say prevention is better than a cure.  Rather than only appearing at times when your cat needs to be transported,  keep the cat carrier out in your home as just another comfy spot for him to relax.  When you see your cat getting into the carrier give him praise and attention, or a small treat, so that he associates it with good experiences, rather than bad ones. 

2. Learn the best way to get your cat inside the carrier.  Ideally, you should be able to pick up your cat, spend a couple of minutes stroking him until he is relaxed and then place him calmly inside the carrier.  However some cats will put up quite a fight against being put in the carrier.  If your cat is struggling against you it is important to get him into the carrier while avoiding injury to either you or him.  One way to do this is to use a towel.  Take a small hand towel and pick up your cat, gently but firmly wrapping the towel around him so that his paws (and sharp claws!) are safely tucked away.  Once placed inside the carrier, the cat should quickly free himself from the loose towel and you can pull it out.

3.  If your cat is particularly resistant to getting into his carrier, try purchasing a larger size.  A small dog carrier is not only roomier, giving your cat more space to move around, but has a larger opening so that it is easier to place your cat inside, even when their legs are trying to grab wildly at the sides.

Reasons To Use A Cat Carrier

Whether you take your cat with you on a regular basis on outings or only when necessary such as to see the veterinarian it is essential to do so in a way that is safe for you as well as your feline friend. Being carefully secured in a cat carrier will ensure that both you and your cat will be safe while you are away from home.

There are many sized available for a carrier for your cat and if you are shopping for one while your cat is still an infant it is important to think about how big your cat may become. While kittens fit into most carriers with ease due to their small size it is important to remember that the carrier will need to be able to fit them when they are full grown or you will need to be prepared to purchase another that will fit them later.

For in the car a cat carrier is important to not only keep your cat safe but yourself as well. For owners who do not use one they quickly find out that a cat may not always quietly lie on their lap or a seat next to them while the car is in motion. This can lead to accidents that will place you, your cat, as well as your car in danger.

Of course inside the vets office it is essential that a cat be safely inside a carrier. Every office requires all dogs to be on a leash and cats to be on a leash as well or inside a carrier. Many veterinarian offices are small and this will reduce the chance for contact among animals that may not get along well resulting in a fight.

Taking your cat along with you can be fun but for their sake as well as yours always use a cat carrier they can comfortably ride in for safety.

How To Get Your Cat Into A Cat Carrier

For those that travel with their cat frequently getting their cat into a carrier is not tough at all. But for those who rarely travel or take their cat away from home getting them into the cat carrier can become quite the ordeal. Cats can be very hard to hang onto when they do not want to be in your arms or placed inside a box and you do not want to harm them in the process of doing so.

One of the best things an owner can do is to allow their cat to have time to accommodate to the cat carrier before they need to place them inside and go somewhere. Setting up the carrier in your home with a soft cat blanket and some toys will give your cat time to get used to this box on their own terms. By being able to come and go from it many cats are not afraid when you do pick them up and place them inside for a trip to the veterinarian or the groomer.

Of course if you did not plan this far in advance and have not let them get acclimated you will be faced with the prospect of getting a scared cat inside of the cat carrier. There are a couple of ways to do this and both requires you to just get it done without hesitation. With the first simply take the cat firmly and take their front legs with one hand while securing the rest of the cat with the other. Insert the cat into the cat carrier opening quickly and efficiently and shut the door. If this still is not something you want to do than wrap the cat in a towel and place towel and all into the carrier for transport. Just be sure the cat can get free from the towel once you have the door shut so they can still use it as a blanket.