cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/2608895
So far, I’m to get:
Unscented cat litter.
Litter box (Get 1 more litterbox than cats you own, they like having options.) (get two)
Cat treehouse
Cat brush
Bed
Treats
Bowl
Water bowl (use purified or watered bottle, preferably; filtered water is also fine)
Urine chemicals and destroyers
Cat carrier.
https://www.chewy.com/naturally-fresh-unscented-clumping/dp/171577
https://www.chewy.com/inaba-churu-chicken-variety-creamy/dp/666742
https://www.greenies.com/products/feline-greenies-adult-dental-cat-treats-catnip-flavor-975-oz-tub
Go to the vet at least once a year.
Get vaccinated at least once a year.
food portions are depending on cat’s weight buy toys/balls/cat lasers ,its good to exercise
organic cat grass
cat water-fountain
Lots of soft places to sleep, some high & some low
scratching post
balanced diet (good dry food (I use hills) and cans of wet food)
It’s better to split the food like 3/4 of a cup in the morning and 3/4 of a cup in the evening with treats
Have multiple water bowl options they can choose from and keep them clean
Clean the litter box every day-- twice.
Hairball preventative made up of petroleum jelly.
It’s best to use the lunch paper bags (to clean their waste)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/176379804268
Get some dewormer or other medical supplies like a flea treatment so you have it on hand if in need, if you can afford it.
Cat tooth-paste (they love malt flavor).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353440574835
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353440574835
Start with a teaser toy for the cat.
Use Purina Pro Plan Urinary for adult cats. It’s at Petsmart, but little pricey. Other options available. Just give them 1/3 of dry (AM/PM) and split one can amongst the three. Cats eating habits differ.
Micro-chip it ASAP!
Find a good vet, preferably one that specializes in cats. Follow their advice. Find a list of plants that are toxic to cats – never, ever have lilies in your house or yard. Consider that strictly indoor cats live up to 10 years longer than cats that go outside.
Cat springs
https://www.amazon.ca/Ethical-Pet-Durable-Plastic-Colorful/dp/B000CMKHDG
Pet insurance is very good advice. Maybe ask your existing car/renter/whatever insurer if they offer it, sometimes they’ll give you a discount to bundle things.
Avoid wheat, gluten, & or corn as filler as much as you can.
The above is everything that people have suggested to me.
If anyone has any brands to suggest or maybe extra things that aren’t on this list, let me know.
Also, advice on raising a cat.
Well-known as well as obscure advice.
The slow blink/closing your eyes while making eye contact. It shows trust.
Also if they are in your lap or close and they stare directly into your eyes close them, open them, slowly scan the room behind them, make eye contact again and slowly close your eyes. It tells the cat that you’ve checked behind them and it’s safe for them to relax. Especially if they’re chilling and a loud noise startles them and they stare at you like “WTF WAS THAT?!”
Pick them up often enough that they get used to it, even if it’s just for 10 seconds. Some cats like to be cradled like a baby, some prefer over the shoulder, find the one they seem most relaxed with and get them used to it doing it with you.
Learn how and where to pick them up by the scruff of their neck. In an emergency situation you might have to do this. It might scare them and be uncomfortable but it’s better than trying to drag them to safety by a limb or god forbid the tail.
Some cats like to climb into things like cabinets or dresser drawers. If you can’t find your kitty check those places before going to bed or leaving the house. Their curiosity can get them stuck in dumb places.
Talk to your cat. Get them used to your voice.
“Talk to your cat. Get them used to your voice.”
Good advice. Thanks!
It’s hard not to anyway. They’re very easy to talk to. If you keep consistent tones for different things that’s good too.
Noted!