Getting a cat as a pet requires some home preparation. This will stop your cat from doing damage to your home and your home from doing damage to your cat. Here are some of the main things to consider whilst introducing your new feline family member.
Limit scratching
All cats – particularly kittens – like to find a rough surface to scratch to sharpen their claws. Carpets and sofas can be popular choices much to the dismay of many cat owners. Whilst you should discipline your cat to not scratch furniture, your moggy will benefit from having some outlet such as a scratching post or designated rug. Scratching is often a comfort thing and not giving a cat an outlet could make them feel unsettled.
Keep on top of fur shedding
Your feline friend is likely to shed a lot of fur around the house. It’s important to keep on top of this so that you’re not breathing in hair all the time. Cat combs can be bought to help get out excess fur. Not all cats will let you comb and clean them and sometimes a professional cat grooming service might be worthwhile. If your cat has a bed, taking the time to hoover this occasionally could prevent bacteria build up.
Consider a litter tray
A litter tray is needed if you’re going to have a house cat. For cats that are allowed outside, a litter tray might not be as much of a necessity and could make your cat lazy refusing to do its business outdoors. Regularly replace litter and keep away from food.
Beware of hanging objects
Shoelaces, curtain pulls, hanging clothes and other dangling items can make great playthings for cats. Tuck these away to avoid them getting shredded. Introduce a hanging toy to satisfy your cat’s playfulness. Not all cats will be in love with dangly things and some may not like toys.
Install a micro-chipped cat flap
A cat flap can allow your pet to easily exit and enter the house, but it could also allow an invitation to other cats in the neighbourhood. Most cats will chase off intruders, but some may be more timid and allow other cats to bully them and steal their food. Either way, you can be safe by buying a micro-chipped cat flap. This only opens when activated by your cat’s micro-chipped collar and so stops other creatures from sneaking in.
Eliminate potential cat dangers
You’re probably familiar with the expression ‘curiosity killed the cat’. Most cats are sensible enough to avoid obvious dangers, however they may get curious with certain man-made substances that are left out such as cleaning chemicals, medicines, rodenticides and fertilisers. Vets across the country get thousands of cases a year of cat poisoning from eating rat poisons, detergents, fertilisers or drinking from a toilet that’s been recently bleached. Keep chemicals stored away (and shut the toilet lid after cleaning it if you’re cat likes to occasionally take a sneaky drink). You should also be careful of certain foods such as grapes, raisins, avocado and chocolate.
