What do I need to do to my house to get it ready for a new cat?

Question

The cat I'm bringing home is a cat that was dump at my aunts house if is a very nice cat and with the weather getting colder I was worried and ready for a cat I have all the cat supplies and just need to bring the cat home I wasn't sure if I should keep the cat indoors or have it indoor as well as outdoor what tips can you give on cat proofing my house and some opinions on caring for a cat in this situation

Answer 1

keep the cat inside! I introduced my two cats to the outdoors and i really regret it. They have more health problems if you let them outside and they have the chance of getting hit by a car.

If you let it outside, it will bring in all sorts of "presents" to you.

Supplies: all you really need to please a cat is food, water, a liter box, and a nice place to sleep. If it is a kitten, just add a piece of string to the list.

Answer 2

Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives.

Food, dishes, kitty litter, litter box, a few toys, a kitty scratching post are some good basics to purchase.  I like to feed a dry food as well as canned and it pays to do a bit of research getting the healthiest kind.  A cat post is a great idea right off the bat so you are channeling the cat's urge to scratch in the right areas.  Cat nip sprinkled on the post can make it more attractive initially.

A brush of some sort isn't a bad idea either.  Good for his/her coat, less shedding and it can be a great way to help you two bond.  Don't go too crazy buying stuff at first, you can spend a lot of money on a whim.

Answer 3

- Keep cords out of the cat's reach. Our kitten chewed the cord to charge my computer; very expensive to replace.

- You might want to put those child safety latches on some of your cabinets. Our cat opens the cabinet doors and plays inside where all the chemical cleaners are, so be careful.

- Buy a cardboard cat scratcher that lies on the floor. Our cats love to stretch out and scratch; even the one who's declawed.

- You don't necessarily have to go out and buy all these toys. Our cat will take anything on the floor and play with it; plastic spoons, plates, hangers, and we do have a few soft toy mice if he wants those.

- You absolutely must buy a good pair of nail clippers designed for cats so they won't tear up you and your furniture.

- A spray bottle filled with water is good to keep around to help your cat understand what they can't do and where they can't be.

More than anything, your cat needs love and attention. Especially with your cat having been in a previous bad situation, they will need lots of love. If you don't have time for the cat, then you probably should find another owner since it's not fair to the cat or you.

Don't let your cat outside!!! There's to many things that can happen to them. Your cat WILL come home regularly with injuries from fights with other animals. They with end up with diseases, and will eventually get killed by another animal or car.  

Answer 4

I'm a new cat owner but I was told by the humane society to keep her indoors until she is settled in.  About one month after I got her, I would let her out on a harness and she loved it!  Now I let her out on her own but she always sticks right by my door - usually sleeps on one of my patio chairs!

Good Luck!