Considering a Cat for the Holidays? What to Know Before Bringing a New Cat Home
Congratulations on your decision to welcome a new cat into your home this holiday season! You’re probably just as curious as a cat to learn everything there is to know about caring for your fabulous new feline, so our team at Sacramento Cat Hospital is here to answer your new cat questions with this handy guide to adopting cats.
Shop Before You Adopt a New Cat
Your new bundle of fur and fun will need plenty of essentials for day-to-day care and playtime activities, so shop before you adopt so you aren’t scrambling for necessities at the last minute. Here are the supplies that all cats need:
- A cat carrier. This is the safest way to bring your new cat home. Line it with a soft blanket or towel.
- Age-appropriate cat food, as well as food and water bowls. Our team is happy to recommend a nutrient-rich diet for your new cat.
- Litter box and litter. Choose a box big enough so your cat can turn around in it comfortably. Position litter boxes away from noisy appliances and separate from food and water bowls. Always provide one more litter box than the number of cats.
- Toys, scratchers with different textures (sisal, carpet, cardboard), and climbing trees.
- Grooming supplies, including a brush or flea comb, and a toothbrush and toothpaste made just for cats.
- A comfy cat bed—or two!
- Calming diffusers like Feliway. Particularly helpful in multi-pet households, pheromone diffusers can help keep your new cat calm as she acclimates to her new surroundings.
- Be prepared for the occasional “accident” with odor/stain remover spray.
Tips on Adopting Cats
Shopping for new pet supplies is fun, but it’s just the beginning when it comes to adopting cats. Here are some other things to keep in mind:
- Your home needs to be safe for a new pet. This means keeping toxic substances like cleaning supplies, insecticides, and poisonous plants out of reach of pets.
- If you already have other pets, research ways to safely introduce your new cat to your existing pets.
- Consider adopting a shelter cat and granting a precious pet in need the best cat holiday ever.
- Make sure you have a record of all medical procedures and treatments your cat has had prior to adoption, including vaccines, microchipping, and spay/neuter surgery.
Prioritize New Cat Care
Once your new cat is nestled into her furever home, schedule a wellness care visit so we can get your new pet off to a purr-fect start. We will explain your new cat’s recommended vaccines, make dietary suggestions, and answer your new cat questions.
Creating the perfect cat holiday is possible with a little preplanning so your new cat feels safe and welcome. Please contact us at (916) 488-4161 to schedule your cat’s first visit. We can’t wait to meet your new addition!