Adopting a new kitten or an older cat is an exciting adventure! There are a few steps that we recommend you take before your new feline arrives in order to prepare your home for her properly. This post is full of tips for new cat owners.
Bringing home a new kitten or cat is an exciting time for any pet owner.
However, it’s important to be prepared and take certain steps to ensure that your new furry friend feels comfortable and safe in their new home.
From investing in the right cat furniture to understanding their litter box needs, there are several things you can do to prepare your home for your new feline companion.
Tips for New Cat Owners
Tips for New Cat Owners: Cat Scratchers
Before bringing your new cat home, it’s important to invest in several cat scratchers. Cats naturally love to scratch, and providing them with designated scratchers will prevent them from damaging your furniture and other household items.
Tips for New Cat Owners: Litter Box
When bringing home a new cat or kitten, it’s important to ensure a smooth transition. If the new cat will be the only one in the household, one or two litter boxes will suffice. However, if there are other cats at home, it’s recommended to have two litter boxes per cat if possible.
It’s also important to keep the new cat separate from the other cats while introducing them, including keeping the litter box separate. If the cat is young, it’s especially important to have a litter box that is not too big for the new kitten.
Cats are known for being clean animals, and having multiple litter boxes will ensure that they always have a clean place to go. So, make sure to set up multiple litter boxes to keep your new cat happy and healthy.
Choosing Cat Litter
Another important step in preparing your home for your new cat is to pick the proper litter for the litter box. Ideally you want to use natural litter.
Many traditional cat litters contain harmful chemicals and fragrances, which can be harmful to your cat’s health. Natural cat litter, on the other hand, is made from materials like corn, wheat, and recycled paper, making it a safer and more eco-friendly option.
I have always used unscented cat litter because my cats do not want the fragrance smell on them or around their litter box. In their mind, the smell attracts predators who are hunting them.
Cat Furniture
Utilizing wall space for cat furniture is also a great way to prepare your home for your new cat.
Cats love to climb and perch in high places, so providing them with tall cat trees and shelves will give them a safe space to do so. It’s also important to prepare a private area for your cat, such as a cozy bed or hideaway, where they can retreat when they need a break from the rest of the household.
Outdoor Cat Space
Lastly, building your cat a catio is a great way to give them access to fresh air and the outdoors while still keeping them safe. A catio is an enclosed outdoor space that is specifically designed for cats, and can be built in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your home and your cat’s needs.
As a new cat owner, providing outdoor space for your feline friend can greatly enhance their quality of life.
Omlet’s Catios offer a safe and secure environment for your cat to enjoy the outdoors, and their new mesh design for 2022 makes assembly quicker and easier.
You can also extend the enclosure at any time to give your cat even more space.
Additionally, Omlet’s Cat Balcony Enclosure is a great solution for apartment-dwelling cats, providing a fully secure and escape-proof space for them to enjoy the outdoors while giving you peace of mind. Starting your new cat or kitten with a catio can also help with bonding time.
Bringing home a new cat or kitten is an exciting time, but it’s important to be prepared and take certain steps to ensure that your new furry friend feels comfortable and safe in their new home. From investing in the right cat furniture to providing them with a private space, there are several things you can do to prepare your home for your new cat. By following these tips, you can create a happy and healthy home for your new feline companion for years to come.
For an in depth read on this topic, I highly recommend reading “Bringing Home a Kitty? 14 Expert Tips to Prepare Your Home” at Redfin. The highlights are as follow:
Tips to Prepare Your Home for a New Cat or Kitten
Invest in several cat scratchers
Adopting a new fur baby, old or young, can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, preparing your home before your new furry friend arrives is vital. One essential item you should invest in is several cat scratchers.
Cats have an instinct to scratch, which provides them to areas to mark their territory, stretch their muscles, and maintain their claws. By providing your cat with appropriate scratching options, you can prevent them from damaging your furniture or carpet.
RELEVANT: Oh So Sweet: Dessert Cardboard Cat Scratcher by Happy & Polly
You should provide your cat with both vertical and horizontal scratching options. Vertical scratchers allow your cat to stretch and reach up high, mimicking the experience of scratching a tree trunk.
This can be especially important for indoor cats who may not have access to outdoor scratching options. On the other hand, horizontal scratchers allow your cat to scratch while lying down, which can be more comfortable for them.
When choosing scratchers, it is essential to consider the material. Cats prefer to scratch on rough surfaces, so materials like sisal rope or cardboard are ideal.
Investing in several cat scratchers is essential to preparing your home for a new cat or kitten. By providing appropriate scratching options, you can help your cat to maintain its claws and prevent damage to your home.
Have 2+ litterboxes per kitty cat
One crucial aspect of cat ownership is providing appropriate litter boxes.
Experts recommend having at least two litter boxes per kitty cat. This helps to reduce competition and stress among cats, especially if you have multiple cats in the household. It also ensures that each cat has access to a clean litter box at all times.
When it comes to choosing a litter for your cat’s litter box, unscented litter is usually preferred. Cats have a keen sense of smell, and strong scents can be overwhelming and unpleasant for them. Unscented litter also allows you to better monitor your cat’s litter box usage and detect any potential health issues.
Placement of the litter boxes is also important. They should be placed in quiet, low-traffic areas of the house, away from food and water dishes. Cats prefer privacy when using the litter box, so placing them in a secluded area is ideal.
RELATED: How To Make Your Litter Box And Cat Room Smell Unbelievably Good
Finally, it is crucial to keep the litter boxes clean. Cats are fastidious animals and will avoid using dirty litter boxes. Scoop out solid waste daily and completely change the litter and wash the litter box once a week.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your new cat or kitten has a comfortable and stress-free experience using their litter box.
Kritter Kommunity’s favorite is ModKat!
Use unscented cat litter
Another important consideration is the type of litter you will use for your new feline friend. While scented cat litter may seem like a good idea, it can actually be harmful to your cat’s health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s important to use unscented cat litter instead.
First and foremost, scented cat litter contains chemicals and fragrances that can irritate your cat’s sensitive nose and respiratory system. This can lead to coughing, sneezing, and even asthma-like symptoms. Additionally, scented litter can also be overpowering for some cats, causing them to avoid using the litter box altogether.
On the other hand, unscented cat litter is made without added fragrances or chemicals, making it a much safer and more natural option for your cat. It also allows your cat to use their sense of smell to find the litter box and do their business, which is an important part of their natural instincts.
When choosing unscented cat litter, there are a few different types to consider. Clay litter is a popular option that is affordable and easy to find, but it can be dusty and may not clump as well as other types. Alternatively, there are plant-based litters made from materials like corn, wheat, or wood, which are more eco-friendly and often have better odor control.
RELEVANT: The Right Way To Keep A Cat’s Litter Box Clean
Regardless of which type of unscented cat litter you choose, it’s important to maintain a clean litter box for your cat’s health and happiness. This means scooping the litter box daily and completely changing the litter on a regular basis.
Using unscented cat litter is the best choice for your new feline friend. It’s safer, more natural, and better for their overall health and wellbeing. By providing a clean and comfortable litter box with unscented litter, you can help your cat adjust to their new home and enjoy a happy and healthy life with you.
Utilize wall space for cat furniture
One way to maximize your cat’s living space is by utilizing wall space for cat furniture.
Cat shelves are a great option for utilizing wall space. They come in different shapes and sizes, allowing you to create a unique and fun environment for your cat. Some cat shelves are designed to look like tree branches, while others are more minimalist in design. Regardless of the style, cat shelves provide a great way for your cat to climb and explore, while also keeping them off of your furniture.
In addition to cat shelves, there are now even cat wall feeding stations available. These stations are designed to mount directly onto the wall and provide a convenient and elevated feeding area for your cat. Not only does this help to reduce clutter in your living space, but it also helps to promote healthy digestion for your feline friend.
RELEVANT: Busy Cat Wall Mounted Cat Perch and Shelf System – Cat Shelves
If you’re considering utilizing wall space for your cat’s furniture, it’s important to plan ahead. Having the wall created and built before your new cat arrives is ideal so you can get your new kitten or cat used to it right away. This will help to ensure that your cat feels comfortable and at home in their new environment, while also providing them with a fun and stimulating space to explore.
RELEVANT: Head-Turning Cat Wallpaper Feline Fanatics Are Obsessing Over
Overall, utilizing wall space for cat furniture is a great way to maximize your cat’s living space and provide them with a safe and comfortable environment. With the wide range of cat shelves and wall feeding stations available, there’s sure to be an option that works for you and your furry friend.
Prepare a cat room for your cat
First, choose a room in your house that will be dedicated solely to your cat. This could be a spare bedroom or even a large closet. Make sure the room has plenty of space for your cat to move around in and access to natural light.
Next, provide your cat with all the essentials they will need in their new space. This includes a litter box, food and water dishes, a scratching post or pad, and plenty of toys. It is important to choose a litter box that is the right size for your cat and to clean it regularly to prevent any unpleasant odors.
Additionally, consider adding a comfortable bed or blanket for your cat to snuggle up in. This will provide a sense of security and comfort for your furry friend.
Make sure to cat-proof the room by removing any potential hazards such as toxic plants or loose cords. It is also important to ensure that the room is escape-proof by checking for any small openings or gaps in windows or doors.
Finally, spend time with your cat in their new room to help them acclimate to their new surroundings. Offer plenty of love and attention, but also give them space if they seem overwhelmed or anxious.
Read up on our other cat room topics here:
Clean vs. Messy Cat Rooms: What Felines Really Prefer
Cozy Cat Room Ideas that Celebrate Nature
Super Easy Tips For Making A Small Cat Room Feel Bigger Instantly
Overall, preparing a cat room for your new feline friend can help them feel safe and comfortable in their new home. With a little bit of effort and attention, you can help your cat settle in and start enjoying their new surroundings.
Build your cat a catio
Building a catio can provide numerous benefits for your cat, including access to fresh air and sunshine, exercise, and mental stimulation. It can also keep your cat safe from potential dangers such as cars, predators, and diseases.
To build a catio, you’ll need to consider the size and location of your enclosure. It’s important to choose an area that is easily accessible to your cat, but also secure and protected from the elements. You’ll also need to decide on the materials you’ll use, such as wood, mesh, or wire, and ensure that they are safe and non-toxic.
Once you’ve chosen your location and materials, you can begin constructing your catio. Start by building a sturdy frame and then adding walls, a roof, and a door. Be sure to include plenty of perches, shelves, and toys to keep your cat entertained and engaged.
Finally, it’s important to make sure your catio is safe and secure. Check for any potential hazards, such as sharp edges or loose wires, and make sure your cat cannot escape. You should also provide plenty of shade and water to keep your cat cool and hydrated.
Check out our articles this topic!
What To Put In A Catio: Must-Haves, Nice-to-Haves, And Decor Preferences
Tips and Tricks For Making Your Catio Super Pretty
Overall, building a catio can be a great way to provide your cat with a safe, stimulating, and enjoyable outdoor space. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can create a space that both you and your furry friend will love.
For more information on home preparation for your new cat, these blog articles will be super helpful!
How To Design The Perfect Pet Nook For Your Cat
10 Design Ideas For Cat Owners In Small Spaces
The Ideal Scratching Post For Cats: Cats Approved
Creative Ways To Hide The Cat Litter Box
Have fun with making your new feline’s home special. Your lap will ultimately be his favorite spot in the house!
Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC. She has a tuxedo adult cat and has had him since he was a baby kitten. Before her cat Finnegan, Lisa had had two FIV-positive cats for over a decade. They inspired Lisa to invent a cat enclosure and a portable catio so they could safely sit outside and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Lisa had a Poodle and a parakeet growing up. She currently loves to pet-sit for her neighbors’ dogs and cats.
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Our mission at Kritter Kommunity is to promote happy and healthy lives for pets and their owners. We specialize in Barkitecture and designing tips for pet-friendly homes, utilizing the natural instincts of cats, dogs, and small critters to create a home life that pets and people love. From tips on pet care to reviews on pet toys and furniture, we are a go-to source for all things cats, dogs and small critters. Join us in celebrating the joys of pet ownership and providing the best possible lives for our furry friends.
