Essential Checklist for Adopting a Cat

 If you are eager to adopt a cat or have just adopted it, then kudos to you. You did a noble thing. Saving those precious furry animals from getting euthanized and giving them a new home is really worth commendable.

However, the real challenge starts now. Although bringing a cat home is easier, taking care of them is what really matters. Thus, it's best to prepare in advance.

Don't worry. This guide will tell you all the cat essentials to make your cat feel at home.

Does Cat Adoption Cost Money?

Although there are many benefits associated with adopting a cat, the one we like the most is their minimal adoption cost. Depending on the organization, the shelter will only ask you for a small fee before handing you the cat.

What's more, all the vaccination, booster shots, spaying, microchipping, etc., are covered within that small fee for some cases. The only thing left is the cat essentials, which you will learn about from now on.

Raising a Cat - Basic Cleaning

Whether it be your cat's own personal hygiene or of your home, there are certain items that every cat owner must have:

• Cat litter & litter box

If you don't want your kitty to spoil and deface your house, your carpets, sofas, or beds, then it's high time to get a cat litter and box.

A cat litter is the best when it comes to absorbing odors and tempting cats to bury their waste in instead of the house. 

With cat litter, you will also be safe from the unpleasant odor that the waste leaves behind.

• Cat grooming comb

About 10-20% of people worldwide suffer from cat allergies, and the most common culprit is the shedding of fur. However, it can be resolved or bring down to a minimum by brushing your cat daily. 

However, brushing is not enough. It would be best if you also had a professional grooming brush. You know what? We might know the best grooming brush that your cat would love.

• Nail clippers

Long, sharp nails not only leave scratches on your favorite sofa, but also can be a cause of pain for your feline. Therefore, it's wise to cut your cat's nails with a nail clipper whenever they exceed a specific length. 

Make sure you are precise in cutting down the nails, all the while avoiding the blood vessels. Hence, it's good to seek the guidance of a professional groomer.

Raising a Cat — Fun Toys

Toys are there to keep your cat energetic, lively, and away from diseases like obesity, etc. 

• Cardboard box 

Carton offers a separate space for your cat. For new cats, it would be wise to provide them with their personal space until they get accustomed to the house.

Cardboard box can be used as both a plaything and a resting spot.

• Scratching post

A scratching post is a must for a newly adopted cat. Through scratching, cats are known for marking their territory. It helps them to settle in a new environment. 

A scratching post not only fulfills the cat's urge for scratching but also keeps their nails trimmed and free from any odd objects. 

Moreover, having a scratching post at home ensures that your cat will not develop any behavior issues in the future.

• Cat teasers & toys

For cat stimulation and exercise, teasers and toys are perfect. Cats love to run after prey, and these toys unlock your cat's preying instincts. 

Also, it's better for your cat to run after some toy and not tiny insects that cause various gastrointestinal diseases. Lasers, mice, balls, plush toys, etc., are all loved by cats.

Raising a Cat — Nutritional Diet

The essential items that every new cat owner should have in order to keep their kitty well-fed, healthy, and hydrated are:

• Cat food

As obvious it may sound, there are specific guidelines that every owner should follow while choosing the best food for their cat. Also, make sure the cat food is free from harmful chemicals that can pose a risk to your kitty's health.

• Cat water dispenser

Most people think that cats do not drink much water, so there's no need to worry about their drinking system. However, water is as much important for your cat's health as food.

Although cats might not drink much water, it's our responsibility to provide them with a safe and clean drinking sources. 

A water dispenser that keeps the water filtered and free from dust, dirt, and germs through its UV germicidal light would be perfect for your furry fellow.

• Cat bowl

It would be best if you remained vigilant when choosing a food bowl for your cat. Some cats may develop whisker fatigue due to the excessive rubbing of whiskers with the edges of the bowl.

It happens when the bowl is too narrow for your cat. Therefore, always opt for a wider bowl having plenty of space. Don't settle for some cheap, small bowl.

Raising a Cat — Keeping Healthy

To make sure your cat enjoys the most of his life and remain healthy, the following essentials must be done after adopting a cat:

• Ear cleaning

Most cat owners don't worry about cleaning their cat ears. After all, ear infections aren't common in household cats. But the risk is always there. 

Therefore, if you see any activity of your cat scratching its ear excessively, shaking its head, or pawing at its ears, then you should visit the vet.

However, to avoid all this, it's wise if you clean your cat's ears once a week.

• Deworming

A kitten is usually dewormed at the age of 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks. If your adopted cat is not already dewormed, first, you should get them dewormed. 

Deworming is done to protect your cat against tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, etc., which can become life-threatening for your kitty if left untreated.

Older cats are given flea and hookworm preventatives, which are also effective against tapeworms, roundworms, etc.

Go for Adoptions

When we decide to take a cat home, seek one from an animal shelter is way better than buying one at a store. You're being GOOD. But, having a cat at home means responsibilities of quality care for the rest of the lifetime. Take notes, check your list, and make your home a better shelter for your feline baby!