The Top Things First Time Cat Owners Should Know

Introduction

So, you have decided to rehome or adopt a kitten into your family, but you've never lived with a cat before. You're probably asking yourself some common questions first-time owners have, like how do I prepare my home and myself for my new arrival?

That's where we would love to help you out - we are cat lovers and have cared for cats for many years which means that we are cat experts, and we know a thing or two regarding cats, their needs and behaviours so prepare to take a deep dive into all things feline and to become fully prepared for your new family member!

It may be true that cats have a reputation for being independent animals, but they still require lots of time and effort. They can also be costly, especially in the early days of settling into their new home. You must ensure you are moving them in at the right time. Here are some ways you, as a potential cat owner, can be prepared for your new feline friend.

Do Your Research!

When it comes to cat ownership, make sure to do your homework, especially when it comes to cat care and their behaviours. Try and collect as much information as possible about them as you can. Common things to consider include the following:

• Some foods are poisonous to cats, and they don't know which foods they are allowed to eat, so it's up to you, as the pet parent, to prevent your cat from consuming them. Chocolate, onions and dairy foods are known to be toxic to cats. A simple google search can result in lists of the foods that are hazardous to cats.
• There are also a number of flowers and plants that are poisonous to cats when consumed. You have to watch that they don't ingest something whilst grooming themselves in case they have brushed on something and got it in their fur. Some common plants, like lilies and tulips, are known to be toxic for cats. It would be best to clear any known toxic plants out of your home before kitty's arrival.
• Cats are creatures of routines and a routine that you will need to become a part of. This may include a wake-up alarm in the early hours of the morning each day!

Preparation

It is essential you make sure that you have all of your new pet's necessities before you bring them home:

• You will need to ensure you are able to afford items and services the cat will initially need - such as vaccines, litter box, toys, bedding, food bowls and a pet carrier. It's also worth bearing in mind there are also the monthly costs of things like potential vet visits, insurance, cat litter and food. Are you prepared for the potential 18+ year commitment of a cat?
• Find a local vet - you will need a vet to administer vaccines and microchip your kitty.
• Choose and buy a litter box - there are different options, the most common being an open-style box or a covered box that can trap odours. Just be mindful of the size you choose, as smaller boxes will be fine for a kitten but will be too small for cats, around 10 lbs.
• Your feline friend will need somewhere nice and warm to sleep - you will need a bed and blanket for them. Put it in a quiet, private area at first, then once they are home with you, look out where they tend to nap and place their bed in that area for them.
• Clear away any potential choking hazards, small objects like hair bands, clips and strings. You'd be surprised how interested cats can be in such items!
• If you have younger children, take some time to educate them on how to treat the new arrival. They should not be played with too roughly, treated with care and respect at all times, and left alone while eating and sleeping.
• Ensure the initial meetings with other animals in the home are controlled - for more information on introducing a new cat to a dog family - see our previous post - Introducing your new cat to a dog household
• Look into cat sitting services. With a new cat in your life, you will need someone to care for them whilst you are away for holidays or work trips. As cats are territorial animals, they often prefer to be in the comfort of their own home rather than the stresses of a cattery.

What to Expect

Here are some examples of the type of behaviour you can expect to see from your new feline friend, so you are fully prepared for any potential cat craziness!

• Cats are typically most active at dawn and dusk. If you experience this with your kitty and it becomes troublesome, it may be best if you play with your new kitten through the day and wear them out for bedtime.
• Cats are avid climbers, so you can expect to see them leap onto your windowsills, counter tops and even your bookshelves. They feel most safe up high and peering down. A cat tree can keep kitty from climbing the curtains!
• You may already be aware that cats don't like to get wet, but did you know that they love running water? Don't be surprised if you find your cat trying to get in the shower with you when you leave the bathroom door open or randomly sitting in the sink or drinking from a dripping tap! Use positive reinforcement to stop this behaviour if you prefer them not to do this, by simply placing them back down on the ground each time you find them helping themselves to a drink from the tap.
• Many cats' favourite hobby is to hide inside boxes and squeeze themselves into small spaces. It is all part of their predatory behaviour and instincts to hide and be ready to pounce!
• Some cats enjoy batting objects off of mantlepieces, shelves and tables. This can be an attention-seeking act or out of plain boredom. Until you trust your cat won't be knocking your valuables off the shelf, clear your breakables away to avoid the risk.
• Marking is something we associate with dogs, but cats can also mark their territory. Cats mark in many ways - you may have noticed cats rub on people's legs; this is them depositing their scent as scent is important to cats. They also tend to urine mark, but this is more common in males. Scratching is also another marking behaviour which can be avoided by purchasing a scratching post, one that shreds and that kitty can reach on their hind legs.

Finally - congratulations on becoming a first-time cat parent! We hope you've found these tips helpful.

If you're looking for cat sitting services in your area, take a look at all of the locations that The Cat Butler's premier sitting service is available.

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.