Fill up Your Cart with These Items!
So, you’ve decided to bring home a new feline friend — congratulations! Just like the arrival of a new baby, becoming a cat parent means you need to go shopping. To make things a bit easier, we’ve put together a list of 12 products that every cat owner needs.
Cat Food
You only have to pop to your local pet store to see the huge array of cat food offered. You can choose between wet and dry food, ranging from low prices right through to the premium range. Always ensure you are giving your cat what’s called a ‘complete food’ so that they get the necessary protein, taurine, vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.
Food Bowl
Your cat is going to need something to eat all of that yummy food from, so make sure you have bought them their own bowl. These come in an array of materials, colors and sizes, so you can even choose one that matches the accessories in your kitchen. If you are out during the day, you may want to purchase an automatic bowl that opens at set times.
Drinking Fountain
If your cat eats a lot of dry food, they will need to be encouraged to drink water as frequently as possible. A water fountain will provide an endless supply of fresh water so it’s not standing stagnant in a bowl all day. Plus, it makes drinking more fun for your cat. You can find drinking fountains at your local pet store, or online.
Grooming Aids
Whether your cat is long or short haired, they will need regular grooming. Not only does this minimize the risk of hairballs, and lessen the amount of hair and dander you find around the house, it also helps you bond with your pet. For shorter haired breeds get a brush or comb, but for longer haired cats a de-shedding tool will come in handy.
Pet Carrier
There will be times when you need to take your cat on short journeys, for example, to the veterinarian for check-ups. Whether you are traveling on foot, in the car, or on public transport, you are going to need a pet carrier. If you purchase a carrier when your cat is a kitten, remember to factor in a great deal of growth.
Cat Treats
Your cat will love a few treats now and then. Don’t overdo this as you don’t want your cat putting on too much weight, but reward them when they show good behavior. This isn’t as straight-forward as training a dog, but a little positive reinforcement never hurts. There are even cat treats available that help promote good dental health, which is a win-win situation.
Cat Bed
Your cat might decide to treat almost every square inch of your home as an opportunity to make a bed. However, there’s no harm in offering them a bed of their own, and encouraging them to use it. This has the benefit of keeping more of the cat’s hair in one place for easy cleaning, and giving them a secure place to retreat to for sleeping.
There is an amazing array of cat beds available in different shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to easily find one that suits your cat.
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Cats can be picky, so you'll have to pick a litter box that works for them.[/caption]
Litter Box
Even a cat that spends a lot of time outside will need a litter box. It’s best to get one with a cover on it, as it will provide privacy and protect you from smelling and seeing a used litter tray. You should also pick up a mat to go under the tray, and a litter scoop. You will be grateful for that tip later when you need to do some cleaning.
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Odor free litter is usually the way to go.[/caption]
Cat Litter
Once you have chosen a litter tray, you will need some litter to go in it. There are many brands to choose from, but an odor-control option is a good choice. If your cat is a kitten, there will be some patience involved in training them to use the litter tray, but that’s where those treats can come in handy.
Cat Collar
If your cat gets lost, the best chance you have of getting them back is if they are microchipped. However, it’s also a good idea to make them wear a collar with your contact details, because if someone finds them, this will be the easiest way to bring them home. Cats get into all sorts of places they shouldn’t, so to ensure safety, cat collars should always be fitted with a breakaway clasp.
This means that if the cat gets caught on something, the collar will fall off. Always check for this, as the consequences for a cat wearing a collar without a breakaway clasp can be fatal.
Scratching Post
Scratching in cats is a natural behavior. They do it to remove the dead outer layer of their claws, and to mark their territory. If you don’t buy a scratching post and encourage them to use it, almost every piece of furniture and fabric in your home will be ruined. You can buy a small scratching post, but if you have the space, it might be better to go for cat furniture.
This includes ledges for your cat to play on, and it’s something that will entertain them and encourage them to use appropriate scratching areas.
Cat Toys
The last thing you need to stock up on are cat toys. There are some things you will find around the house, such as boxes or large paper bags. You can also use a ball of string for them to chase around. However, if you really want to make sure your cat has a good time, check out the array of items at your local pet store, or shop online.
From jingle balls, cat wands, laser pointers, right through to a full cat activity center, only your budget will be able to curb your imagination.