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.

Getting The Right Tools For Grooming Your Cat

Cats are very similar to children in that some cannot stand being groomed while others cannot get enough of it and will actually become very vocal when they want to be brushed. If you are one of those pet owners who has a cat that loves to be groomed than consider yourself lucky. Just because a cat does not want to be brushed and combed it does not mean that you should skip this activity.

Using a quality brush on your cat has many benefits to your pet making it essential that you do not leave the grooming solely up to them even though they do not like the experience. Regular brushing will remove excess hair that if the cats groom off themselves will only result in more hairballs, which are no fun for either of you. Brushing also will leave their coat healthier and shinier since it does wonder not only for the fur but also the underlying skin.

One key in being able to successfully groom your cat is to select a brush that is right for their particular coat. While wire brushes are essential for cats with long hair they can be downright painful for those with extremely short hair. A cat brush that makes the experience a pleasant one will make grooming your cat so much easier in the long run.

Once you have a brush that is right for their coat make grooming as pleasant as possible. Use soft gentle strokes and only brush for as long as your cat seems to be comfortable with what you are doing. If possible start grooming your cat at a young age, kittens are much more tolerant of such things and this will make the grooming process easier. Even if you only do a few strokes a day with your cat grooming brush you will be doing a big difference in loose hair to make them look and feel better.

The Importance of Treating Your Cat For Fleas

If you have ever had an experience with fleas on your pet and in your home than this is one that you will never want to have again. These pests are very easy to pick up and once they are on your pet they become next to impossible to get rid of since they can be in their fur as well as burrowed into your carpet.

With fleas prevention is the best possible way to tackle the problem they pose. For this reason it is vital to use cat flea products before you get fleas in order to prevent them ever coming into your home. Even cat owners who have cats that do not go outdoors should use flea products if they have a dog or another cat that does come and go from outside. These other pets can bring fleas in to the indoor cats who will then spread them further throughout the home.

Fleas can cause many health problems in pets making them a nuisance to your beloved companion. To make matters worse fleas can also leave bits on people as well where they can also have health issues from the diseases that they carry. For pets fleas are not only uncomfortable with the itching but they can also cause shedding, weight lose, as well as life threatening allergies.

There are many cat flea products on the market making it tough for owners to decide which one or combination of two that they should use to prevent and control these pests. With flea collars, powders, and sprays and more the choices can get confusing. Also pet owners need to be aware that what works this summer to prevent fleas may not work again next summer. Just as the flu adapts to vaccines that people receive fleas adapt to the control measures used on them making it necessary to change your tactics each year in order to be effective.