what do i need for a cat

Food

Providing your cat with attention every day is important. Doing so will develop the relationship between you and your cat. Cats need a minimum of 10-15 minutes of attention every day. Ideally, your cat should receive 20-30 minutes of attention daily, as attention provides enrichment.

Toys

God loves funnies — jokes, gags, rib-tickling stories, laugh-out-loud shows, books with happy endings. He does. It says so in scripture. And I have a great funny. This is a true story, although no one believes me. It happened in Charleston. I agreed to feed my friend’s pets while she was away.

Cat Carrier

• It's awesome to come home to a lovable, furry little animal who loves you unconditionally and without any artifice, a friend who's overjoyed every time you walk through the door.
• Caring for a cat is actually good for you. ...
• There's nothing like cuddling with a cat. ...
• There's nothing like having a cat curl up on top of you. ...

Scratching Post

Cat Safety. Feral Cats and Stray Community Cats. Security, comfort and a lot of love will be some of the your cat’s most basic needs. But he will have a few tangible needs as well. 1. Food. Cats are true carnivores. High-quality wet food is great for your cat, keeps his teeth healthy and is a good source of protein.

Litter Box and Litter

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What are the basic needs of a cat?

1. Carrier or Crate

The first thing you need is a cat carrier or crate; you will need this to take your new friend home in. It should be safe and sturdy with plenty of ventilation and easy access for you to get your kitty in and out. We like the Mod Capsule from K&H Pet.

2. Food and Water Bowls

Your cat should have food and water bowls waiting for him upon his arrival. A clean and inviting water dish is essential, and we like the K&H CleanFlow Filtered Water Bowl for Cats. It filters contents up to 130 times an hour through a charcoal filter that helps remove impurities.

3. Food

There are several types of food to choose from. If possible, find out what kind of food the breeder, shelter, or pet store was feeding your cat and stick to the same diet for a while. She will be adjusting to so many new things during her first few weeks at home that keeping her diet the same may be a comfort to her.

5. Litter Box

You have several styles of litter boxes to choose from. A self-cleaning litter box has a mechanism that rakes the dirty litter after your cat has used the box. While some owners appreciate the cleaning help this offers, these boxes are quite expensive, and the mechanism can sometimes frighten cats.

6. Comfort Zone Calming Diffuser

Moving into a new home with a new family is a very stressful event for most cats. They often need a lot of help adjusting to their new homes. The Comfort Zone Calming Diffuser for Cats & Kittens provides a sense of calm for the cat by releasing an odorless vapor that mimics a cat's calming pheromones.

7. Scratching Posts

Cats need to scratch, and a cat scratching post can help with that urge. Make sure the post has a sturdy base to keep it from tipping over. It should be at least as tall as the cat so she can stand on her hind legs and get a good stretch while she's scratching.

8. Toys

Cats love to play; make sure you provide your cat with a variety of safe toys. Pouncing is a favorite activity of cats, so balls and catnip-filled mice are good options. An excellent choice is the EZ Mount Track n' Roll, which mounts to any glass surface and provides hours of interactive fun.

Feeding

We recommend purchasing high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat food. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your new cat or kitten and determine the best diet. Factors such as age, activity level and health make a difference in what and how much a cat should eat.

Grooming

Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, but you should brush or comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat's coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding and cuts down on the incidence of hairballs. Please visit our Cat Grooming Tips page for more information.

Handling

To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.

Housing

Your pet should have her own clean, dry place in your home to sleep and rest. Line your cat's bed with a soft, warm blanket or towel. Be sure to wash the bedding often. Please keep your cat indoors. Outdoor cats do not live as long as indoor cats.

Identification

If allowed outdoors, your cat must wear a safety collar and an ID tag. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. And for both indoor and outdoor cats, an ID tag or an implanted microchip can help ensure that your cat is returned if he or she becomes lost.

Litter Box

All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a quiet, accessible location. In a multi-level home, one box per floor is recommended. Avoid moving the box unless absolutely necessary, but if you must do so, move the box just a few inches per day.

Scratching

Cats need to scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed. Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture.

Feeding

See more on aspca.org

Grooming

Handling

Housing

Identification

Litter Box

Scratching

Health

Medicines and Poisons

Spaying and Neutering