Cat-Proof Your Home
Before bringing your new cat home, it’s important to ensure your living space is cat-friendly. Cats are naturally curious, so secure food cabinets and trash cans with childproof latches. When setting up your cat home decor, consider incorporating cozy corners and high perches to make your feline friend feel more at ease. Also, use safety covers for electrical outlets and keep windows latched to prevent falls. Ensure your washing machine’s door is always closed, and place the litter box in a quiet corner. Your cat’s food station should also be in a peaceful area.
Dangers in the Home
Be aware of common household dangers for cats when setting up your cat home. Keep toxic substances like cleaning products, antifreeze, and human medications out of reach. Some house plants and flowers, such as poinsettia, mistletoe, and lilies, can be harmful to your cat. Watch out for long cords, needles, thread, and rubber bands that may pose risks to your indoor cat. If you suspect allergies, you can even learn how to test for a cat allergy at home to ensure a safe living environment.
Cat-Proof Your Yard
Before allowing your cat outside to explore their outdoor cat home, ensure they are comfortable in their new indoor environment, which may take a few weeks. Cat-proof your yard by checking for holes or gaps in fences to prevent predators like dogs and foxes from entering, providing a safe outdoor haven for your furry friend.
Comfort and Health for Your Feline Friend
Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, so provide them with a cozy and comfortable sleeping area in a quiet part of your home. You can enhance their cat home decor with baskets that match your interior style. Consider baskets with high, padded sides and a removable, washable cushion for warmth and comfort.
Bedding
Choose soft, machine-washable bedding for your cat that complements your cat home decor. In colder months, opt for a fleecy bed near a radiator or a self-warming bed, allowing your cat to snuggle in style. Many cats love nothing better than a warm, cozy blanket on your lap.
Feeding Bowls
Keep your cat’s eating station clean and match their feeding bowls to your cat home decor. Wash their feeding bowls daily, especially in warm weather. Choose from plastic, metal, or ceramic bowls, ensuring they have rubber feet to prevent slipping.
Litter Box
Select an open or covered litter box and place it in a quiet corner, away from the feeding area in your cat home. Scoop out waste regularly to keep it clean.
Various types of litter are available, but stick with what your cat is used to in your cat home. Clumping litter is convenient for maintenance, but avoid strongly scented options that could disrupt your cat’s litter box habits.
Cat Flap
For indoor/outdoor cats in your cat home, install a cat flap to provide them the freedom to explore both indoors and outdoors. These come in different models with locking features for control, and advanced versions can even read your cat’s microchip for enhanced security.
Grooming Equipment
Most cats enjoy being brushed, contributing to a cozy and well-groomed cat home. Regular grooming, especially for longhaired cats, is essential for their well-being. Use a toothed comb, slicker brush, and soft brush to keep your cat’s coat in top condition. Accustom your cat to having its teeth brushed from an early age as part of your cat home care routine.
Claw Clippers
Get your cat accustomed to regular claw trimming to ensure a safe and scratch-free cat home, especially for indoor cats. Use cat claw clippers to trim their claws, being careful not to cut too close to the quick to prevent injury.
Cat Carriers
A cat carrier is essential for trips to the vet in your cat home. Make it a safe space by leaving it out with a warm blanket, allowing your cat to view it as a secure part of your home.
Scratching Posts
Provide a scratching post to prevent destructive scratching and preserve your cat home’s furniture. Some scratching posts even double as multifunctional units, featuring sleeping areas, hanging toys, and other engaging features.
Toys
To keep your cat physically active and mentally stimulated in your cat home, provide a selection of toys to chase, swat, pounce on, and bite. These toys re-create the feel and thrill of the hunt and help your cat stay active, youthful, fit, and happy. Interacting with your cat during playtime is also a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and make your cat feel at home.
