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Introducing a cat into your home or family requires not only a great amount
of thought, but considerable preparation. The more measures you take to make
your new family member feel welcome, the smoother the transition will be when
you bring them home.
Most importantly, if you have children there are steps you can take to help
them appreciate the responsibilities and rewards of pet ownership.
Bedding
There are a wide range of cat beds and baskets on the market, even cat
"nests" and "tunnels". However, a cardboard box with a door
cut in one side will serve just as well if lined with a blanket or similar. You
may like to provide other resting-places, such one of the fleecy lounging
hammocks that hook over radiators.
Bowls
Your cat will need one bowl for food and one for water. Choose a material
that is easy to clean and unlikely to be tipped over - ceramic is good but
heavy-duty plastic bowls are fine and may be cheaper.
Whilst you should never leave your cat unattended for long periods, there may be
times when you can't get back in time for his supper. To avoid a cross cat when
you get home, you may consider investing in one of the deluxe "feeding
stations" on the market, with lids to keep the food fresh but which open
automatically at a pre-set time.
Litter tray and litter
Essential for toilet training, even if you intend to let your cat outside in
the long run. A wide range of trays and types of litter are available. Some
litters are scented, but it may be wise to try an unscented one to start with as
some cats object to the smell.
 | Soiled litter forms clumps to be scooped out, which should be done
regularly. The whole tray should be cleared out and fresh litter put in once
a week. |
| If your cat does not take to using the litter tray it is worth changing
the type of litter you use, as some cats have definite preferences in these
matters! |
Collar
All collars should be the safety types with an elasticised section or quick
release mechanism. These prevent cats becoming hung up on trees or fences.
| The collar should bear a tag showing your address and or telephone
number. Alternatively, ask your Vet about micro-chipping, where a chip is
harmlessly inserted under the skin that identifies your cat with a code
should they ever go missing. |
Toys and scratching posts
There is a bewildering range of cat toys and elaborate scratching posts you
can buy. However, you can easily make your own. This is especially sensible to
start with, when you don't know which sort of toys your cat prefers. Ping Pong
balls, string, rolled up paper attached to string and so on make safe toys for
supervised play. Don't leave you cat alone with anything he could chew or
swallow, like string.
| A piece of old carpet stuck to a sturdy post or the wall makes a good
scratching area, and should save your curtains and furniture! |
| You'll soon find out what toys appeal to your cat the most, and what he
might like for his birthday! |
Grooming tools
All cats need regular grooming and should get used to this at an early age.
There are various tools you can buy - bristle brushes, metal combs, rubber
grooming pads etc.
| Long-haired cats will need a brush, and both wide-toothed and
fine-toothed metal combs. |
| Short-haired cats will need a brush and a fine-toothed comb. |
| Rubber mitts covered with nodules or fingers are good as they clean and
brush the coat and provide a massaging action. |
| You can also buy stretchy gloves with rubber nodules on the palms, which
provide a relaxing coat-smoothing massage for short-haired cats. |
Cat flap
Look for models that feature the ability to be locked, or to be set for
"in" or "out" only so you have some control over you cat's
comings and goings.
| To prevent problems with neighbourhood stray cats wandering in you can
invest in a cat flap that only opens with a special magnet attached to your
cat's collar. |
Travel basket
You are bound to need a travel box or basket on occasion, such as for trips
to the Vet - you may even need one to take your new cat home in. Either way it's
wise to get your cat used to it in advance, so he's not alarmed when you need to
use it.
| There are various types - plastic crates, wicker baskets and heavy-duty
cardboard carriers. These are all fine so long as it's safe and sturdy. |
| Line it with blanket or bedding that smells familiar, for comfort and
reassurance. |
| Make sure you'll be at home at least that day, preferably two, to be with
your new cat. |
| Don't bring your cat home at a busy time, such as Christmas or when you
have visitors. |
| Kittens in particular get everywhere! It's obvious to secure doors and
windows, but you should consider temporarily blocking off other tempting
holes too - like open fireplaces. |
| Bring your cat home in his carrying basket lined with something carrying
your scent, like an old sweater. |
| Introduce your cat to just one room to start with. Leave him quietly to
explore the whole room before allowing him to roam the whole house. |
| Kittens can be lonely and bewildered away from their mothers for the
first time. Give plenty of cuddles if they approach wanting fuss, but don't
force your attentions. |
| When you want to pet your new cat, try attracting him with a toy. Don't
pick him up for cuddles against his will, you want him to learn to come to
you naturally. |
| Only let your cat into the garden once he is fully familiar with the
house (this should not be done until a week after their first course of
vaccinations). |
| Supervise his first trips out, and don't feed him until afterwards - you
must give him a reason for coming back in! |
| If you already have other pets, introduce the scent of each to the other
first before they meet. |
| Introduce then gradually and only under supervision. |
| Keep dogs on a lead or hold on to their collar during these sessions. |
| Don't leave them alone together until you are confident they will behave. |
| Prevent jealousy by making sure you don't give your new cat too much
attention in favour of other pets, or by feeding the cat before existing
residents get their supper! |
| When you collect your cat, ask how they have been fed and stick to the
same food and regime to start with. Any changes to feeding should be made
gradually. |
It is very rewarding for children to help care for a pet. They should be
taught:
| How to pick a cat up correctly; Put one hand underneath, just behind the
forelegs. Place the other hand under the rump to support as you lift the cat
up into the crook of your arm. Never pick cats up by the scruff of the neck. |
| Cats should not be teased, poked or prodded even in fun. Explain this can
cause hurt, fear, or anger. |
| Kittens can be easily injured, so playtime should not be too rough. |
| Cats will scratch or bite if hurt or scared. |
| Cats should be left in peace when having their food, resting or sleeping. |
| How to help with feeding, grooming and caring for the cat. |
It may help to prepare your children before the cat arrives by providing them
with some educational books on the subject. If your child is too young to read
there are many storybooks that deal with the theme of a new pet - reading books
like these at bedtime should help your child understand what they can expect
from the new arrival, and what is expected of them.
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