Creating the Perfect Home for Your New Cat

When welcoming a new feline friend into your home, it is important to make sure that you have everything ready for their arrival. This will help them settle quicker and safely. But where do you start?

What equipment do I need?

Let’s get straight into the fun part - shopping! There are several things that you will need to purchase for your kitty before bringing them home. Remember that substance is more important than style, so pick items that are sturdy, well-made, and the right size for your cat.

Litter trays need to be big enough for your cat to be able to scratch about in and turn around. If you are bringing home an elderly cat or kitten this will need to be low-sided for ease of access, but you might want a deeper one for adult cats, to stop litter from accidentally spilling out.

Most cats prefer wide, shallow water and food bowls. This allows them to keep an eye on their surroundings while eating and drinking. These should be two separate dishes, placed away from their toileting area.

Provide your cat with a scratch post, or a climbing tree, so they have somewhere safe to sharpen their nails and scent mark with their paws. A selection of different toys, such as balls, feather teasers, or catnip-based soft toys will give your cat varied stimulation. A cosy bed in a quiet, draught-free area of your home is also nice to offer to your furry friend.

With resources like litter trays, food bowls, and beds, the golden rule is to provide one per cat, plus a spare. This helps to avoid conflict in multi-cat households, so make sure you purchase the right amount.

Grooming tools will also be needed, especially if you have a long-haired cat. A grooming mitt or slicker brush can help remove loose fur, whereas a comb might be needed for longer fur and tangles.

Consider buying calming/appeasing pheromones to help manage any stress your cat might be feeling about the arrival into their new home. Plug-in diffusers or sprays are available, which can help your cat to feel more relaxed.

How to safety-proof your home

As well as providing your cat with the right accessories it is important to make sure your home is safe for your new furry friend. This includes making sure loose electrical wires are tidied away, toxic plants and flowers are removed, and cleaning products are well out of reach. Remove any essential oil diffusers or burners (these can also be toxic to cats) and avoid using lit candles around your new pet too.

Doors and windows need to have screens/safety nets installed to stop your cat from escaping and injuring themselves. Also, don’t forget to put any valuable decorations or ornaments well out of reach – curious kittens or cats can cause breakages!

Why is territory important to cats?

A cat’s territory encompasses the area where they feel secure enough to sleep, play, and eat. In the wild, cats are usually solitary animals and will try to avoid conflict by steering clear of each other’s territory. The areas where they roam slightly further afield for hunting and mating tend to be in overlapping neutral zones. When a cat strays into another’s territory a standoff may occur with staring, hissing, and maybe even fighting. This is why it is important to help your cat feel safe and secure in his home and to manage any introductions to existing cats cautiously.

How to introduce your cat to other family members and pets

To create the perfect home for your cat you will need to carefully manage any introductions with other family members. Cats should be spoken to in low soothing tones and children should always be supervised. Children should not approach the cat, instead they should allow it to come to them when it is ready.

Other pets should be kept separately initially, while your new cat settles in, occasionally swapping items of bedding so that they can get used to each other’s scents. During first introductions, make sure there is a barrier between the two pets, such as a glass door or a stair/baby gate. Dogs should be kept on their lead for additional control, and make sure that your cat has an escape route should they wish to leave the area.

Remember that cats are solitary animals by nature, so an existing feline may not take too kindly to a new cat being brought into their home. Similarly, some cats and dogs may never be best friends, but it is important to ensure that both parties are kept safe. Zoning areas of the house can be helpful by using baby/stair gates to give different pets their own areas. Take extra care to keep small pets like rodents and fish well away from your new cat.

Shopping list

• A couple of litter trays
• Cat litter
• Separate food and water bowls
• Cat food
• A cosy bed
• A scratch post or climbing tree
• A selection of cat toys
• Calming/appeasing pheromones
• Grooming items
• Safety screens/nets for windows and doors
• A baby/stair gate or two if required

Summary

Territory is extremely important to cats, which is why you should create a safe, stress-free environment at home for your pet. By purchasing a few key items, safety-proofing, and carefully managing any introductions, you can help your feline friend quickly settle into their perfect new home.