If you’re planning to bring a kitten or cat home, you probably already know that this is a long-term commitment. Before you can accept your new cat as a part of your family, you’ll have to take steps to provide a safe and welcoming home for them. You’ll want to remove hazards that could compromise your new cat’s wellbeing as well as protecting certain belongings and furnishings that you don’t want your cat to accidentally destroy. These tips can help you provide a happier home for your new addition.
Get the Floors Ready
Most people don’t really pay much attention to the flooring in their home when they bring a cat home for the first time. While you might not think the floors in your home will make a difference, they can matter to your cat in a few different ways. If you have carpeting, you should look for wayward strings or fibers that could catch your cat’s claws. If you bring a young kitten home, keep in mind that they may not be steady on their feet. Throwdown a rug on hardwood flooring or tiles to make it easier for them to walk.
Hide Strings, Cords, and Cables
Cats love dangling things so you should be aware of this temptation in advance. A teething kitten will latch onto anything that can soothe its sore gums. Instead of letting them chew on cords and cables, put a chew toy in the freezer for a few hours. The kitten will enjoy the cold sensation of the toy against their gums, and they will happily chew on the toy instead of forbidden items. Whenever possible, hide cords under rugs to eliminate the temptation. Phone and laptop charging cords should be kept in drawers when not in use. Similarly, hide the drawstrings on the blinds you use for window coverings. A clever cat might pull down an entire set of blinds by putting too much weight on a dangling drawstring.
Provide a Private Relief Area
Cats are like people in that they prefer to relieve themselves without prying eyes on them. For that reason, you should choose a private area of the home for placing the pet’s litter box. If it has been a few years since you last owned a cat, you may be concerned about keeping the litter box clean and fresh. New smart devices, such as a modern cat litter box, can make this pet care chore a little easier. The right litter box device can also conceal the unpleasant odor that accompanies the pet’s relief area.
Invest in Some Good Bedding
Cats are famous for being independent creatures that don’t need as much attention as puppies and dogs. One reason for this reputation is that a healthy cat will sleep for almost 20 hours a day. This makes it especially important to provide your new cat with a comfortable and private sleeping area. There are plenty of cat beds on the market from which you can choose, and you can add blankets and a small pillow to make the bed you pick that much more comfortable. You should keep your cat’s toys in the bed as much as possible to ensure they associate the bed with their own private sanctuary.
Secure Your Curtains, Antiques, and Cosmetics
It won’t be uncommon for your cat to get into trouble, but they will be less of a hassle if you remove items that might tempt them. Cats have a tendency to climb curtains, so you may want to replace them with blinds. Additionally, you should consider packing away antiques or placing them in a cabinet where they can be seen but not touched. It’s also important to put cosmetics, chemical cleaners, and other poisonous substances in closed cabinets or drawers. If you have any houseplants, you should check with your vet to ensure they won’t be poisonous to your cat since cats do like to chew on plants.
You shouldn’t expect to catch every hazard or issue that will pose a problem for your new kitten or cat. The first few weeks of having your new pet at home will help you discover anything you may have missed so pay close attention to their behavior throughout this period. Eventually, your cat will settle into a routine and become a harmonious part of your family dynamic.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
