Cat Care- The Basic Equipment

You have finally made the decision that you are going to share your home with a cat. Congratulations, but before you get too excited there are one or two things that you are going to need before your new house mate arrives.
There is a wide range of products available to make yours and your cats life easier. The quality and prices vary greatly but initially it may be best to go to your local pet store to get the basic requirements.
The first thing you will have to learn is that your cat will need regular feeding so a supply of food is essential. If it is an older cat coming from its old home you may be able to find out what its like and dislikes are from the previous owner. However if you are taking a cat from a rescue centre or getting a kitten you will need to find what kind of food it likes by trial and error. Do not worry, a cat will soon let you know the type of food it prefers and which it does not.
Once you have got the food the cat will need its own bowl to eat from. It is an idea to buy two separate bowls one for food and one for water. It is important that the cat gets plenty of water especially if it is going to be eating dry as opposed to canned cat food. You probably already have a spare fork and spoon in the house but you should make sure to have a set specifically to be used for the cats food.
The next important item is to purchase a litter tray and litter pellets. Even if you intend for your cat to eventually go outside to do its business you will still need a tray. Illness or inclement weather may prevent your cat going outside and this is when you will need the tray. Kittens will have to start using a tray until they are big enough to be able to go outside unsupervised. On this point you should also consider getting a cat flap fitted if you intend to allow your cat outside.
Another essential is a cat carrier, even if you are not taking your cast away with you there will be times when it needs to be taken to the vets. It will depend on your cat as to whether you need to buy it a cat bed. Some cats love them others would not be seen dead in one. Make a comfortable place for your cat to sleep and then see what happens. One of my cats was never happier than when sleeping in a cardboard box, offer it a fluffy comfortable cat bed and it would walk away in distain.
You should also get a brush and comb for grooming and again you will find a good selection of these at most pet stores. Finally but most importantly get some toys for your cat to play with. Kittens always seem to love playing with toys, older cats can take them or leave them. However, every now and again I find my twelve year old chasing a ping pong ball around the lounge just as he did when he was a kitten.
When you have got all of this you are ready for your cat to arrive.

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