What's a good list of things to make sure you have before trying to get a cat? An extended "above and beyond" list?
Basics- one cat tree (at least 4′ tall)- food/water bowls- 2 litter boxes (and a scooper! And litter!)- a hard-sided crate- at least 1 upright scratching post or hanging scratcher (separate from tree) & 1-2 cardboard scratchers- treats! - a wand/fishing pole style toy- some small loose toys (balls, catnip toys, springs, fake mice)- window perch (doesn’t have to be actual perch, but something kitty can sit on to look out a window!)- vet fund &/or emergency backup of at least $500- wet food at least once a day if at all possible
Above & Beyond- multiple cat trees! One for every room! Two in a main room! Additional climbers & raised platforms also count.- cat shelving mounted on the walls (to make “cat highways” & increase play area)- water fountain- puzzle feeders (can be homemade) - http://foodpuzzlesforcats.com- cat backpack or carrying bag- harness & leash- catio- multiple scratching posts placed around living area- more toys!! all the toys!! cat toys in every nook & cranny of your house- set up a bird feeder outside cat window- tunnels & other play furniture (box towers & such)- cat wheel - heated bed or heating pad under a blanket/bed- vet insurance- wet food only or raw diet
- Yes, some cats are ground-dwellers, but that seems to be less common, by my impression? I would still get at least a small tree or have the ability to order one once you have the cat if you have a climby one. Most cats seem enjoy the ability to climb if available & it’s good exercise as well. Even if you have furniture, bookshelves, etc. for them to climb, having a thing to climb that’s All Theirs is a good idea, IMO.
- Make sure the food bowl is shallow and wide, and the water bowl is also wide. Cats don’t like to have their whiskers brush on things & wide dishes are more comfortable for them. Multiple water dishes are a good idea to encourage them to drink more (cats often don’t drink enough - wet food is recommended for this reason)
- Place litter boxes in different areas - helps cat mark territory boundaries and prevent possibility of accidents. Look into litter options - generally clumping clay is most commonly used & well received by most cats. Avoid scented litter. There are non-clay options, but best to start with clay & switch slowly as cats can be picky about litter. Clean at least a couple times a week if not daily.
- Hard sided crate is preferred for greater safety during travel. Hard sides will help prevent cat from being crushed or injured by debris & these carriers are more readily recognizable as an animal carrier for emergency personnel to retrieve. If your cat prefers a soft carrier, you could also get one of those, then place soft carrier (with cat inside) in a hard sided carrier for car travel.
- Honestly, probably more scratchers is good even for basics. Best way to prevent furniture scratching = have appropriate alternatives & encourage their use. May need to experiment some to find preferred type of material (carpet, sisal rope, cardboard, etc.) Spread scratchers out as well for territory marking & place scratchers by potential problem areas (furniture you wanna keep safe & such). Use catnip & catnip spray to help attract cat to scratchers & reward for appropriate use.
- Yeah, a lot of cats will play with just trash & random bits & things. But honestly, get a fishing pole/wand toy, they’re really worth it. Might take some practice figure out how to move it so kitty is interested. Can get different attachments for bird-hunters vs ground-prey-hunters & such.
- I know, money is hard. But vet care is essential. Yearly vet visits are important for cats. You need to be prepared for it & having a vet fund or a credit card or Care Credit ready for emergencies is really important. If you’re an anxious mess like me, have multiple things set up. I have Care Credit, a credit card, and vet insurance, and usually I have a vet fund too (and will again once I can actually save money again). I’m a paranoid fucker.
- These lists aren’t strict. For some cats, a lot of those “Above & Beyond” things might really fall more under “Basics”. They definitely do for Ditto, with how high-energy she is. She absolutely needs cat-appropriate furniture, plenty of toys, and outlets for her energy (like her wheel). And some people may have different opinions on where some of these things fall - I know some people who would consider a wet food only diet to be essential. I was aiming for the “Basics” to include more than what many people are willing to do for their cats, but not too over the top.
