3 Things to Do Before Adopting a Cat
Cats can make for some truly great companions. They are relatively independent but can be quite affectionate with their owners once they settle into their new life. However, those who have never owned a cat before might not know just what they should do in order to help their new cat settle in sooner rather than later.
Since cats can be incredibly sensitive to their surroundings, it is important that you are patient with your new one when you first bring them home. You should also take care to prepare your home and your family for the arrival of your cat, especially if the cat is a rescue. There might be some other issues at play that you aren’t aware of just yet that can make settling into a new home challenging.
If you are preparing to bring your new cat home for the first time, here are three things that you should consider doing in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.
1. Go See the Vet
The first thing that you should do before bringing your new cat home is have a chat with your veterinarian. They will be able to offer you specific advice about the cat that you are adopting and answer any questions that you might have about your situation.
Most importantly, though, your vet will be able to physically evaluate your new cat to ensure that they are as healthy as they can be. They might also need to administer certain vaccinations or booster shots to your cat in order to keep them healthy and protected against some of the more common cat illnesses.
If you have yet to find a vet that you will be able to register your new cat with, you can check out your options at easyvet.com.
2. Get a Litter Box
One of the most important aspects of preparing your home for the arrival of your new cat is getting a litter box set up for them. Cats are incredibly territorial, and the litter box plays an important role in this aspect of the settling-in process.
There are a variety of options out there for litter boxes. Some cats prefer covered ones, while others don’t care for being covered up. Bear in mind the fact that finding the right litter box for your new cat might require a bit of trial and error on your part.
3. Cat-Proof Your Home
When you bring your new cat home, they will be curious and perhaps a bit reclusive. You might even find that they hide themselves for a little while as they get used to their new surroundings. Not being able to see them all the time can make you a bit anxious.
Take the time before your cat comes home to safety-proof your house. Conceal any wires that might be a tempting chew toy and make sure that there are no windows and doors left open unattended. Before too long, your cat should feel some comfortable coming out and socializing with you.
