Want to Adopt a Cat? Here are 8 Things to Know Before You Do

Cats can bring a lot of happiness and companionship to a home, which is why they are such popular pets. However, if they are not managed properly, they can bring a lot of problems, too. That's why you need to make sure that you are prepared before you adopt a cat. Here are eight things that should be understood before you pick one up:

1. Get A Scratching Post

Unless you want your home to be shredded by kitty claws, you will need some kind of scratching post. Cats love to use their claws, both for fun and to keep them sharp. There are all kinds of options on the market, but all of them work the same way. If you're on a tight budget, you can just take a stick, wrap it in a piece of old carpet, and attach it to a base. We would recommend securing the carpet around the central stick using non-toxic glue.

2. Get A Litter Box

Cats are creatures of habit, and that includes their bathroom habits. Without a litter box, they will choose some other place to do their business. That is why you need to get a litter box before the cat comes home with you. You want them to establish good habits right away. You have a lot of choices when it comes to litter boxes, too. You can go with the standard tray-type litter box, or you can opt for a top-entry litter box or one of the electric self-cleaning boxes.

3. Choose A Veterinarian

Although you might not want to think about it, your cat will likely require veterinary care at some point. Trying to find a vet on short notice isn't a good idea, as you might end up going to a substandard one. The best thing to do is speak with your friends and neighbors and get a good recommendation. Once you get the cat, it would be a good idea to get them a simple checkup to verify that they are free of major health problems.

4. Feeding/Water Supplies

Obviously, you will need a food dish and a water dish. The water dish should be a little larger than the food dish. You should choose something that is sufficiently durable, with stainless steel being the sturdiest option. Automatic food/water dispensers are also a good thing to consider, especially if you spend a lot of time away from home. Needless to say, you should also stock up on cat food.

5. A Food Storage Container

Cat food can attract rats, mice, and other pests. For them, it is a ready-made meal that is very convenient. That is why you need to put your cat food in a storage container of some kind. A metal trash can is the most durable choice, as it will keep everything out. However, a large plastic tote is good enough for most situations.

Cats may seem like solitary creatures, but they do have a certain need for social interaction. With that in mind, you may want to consider a second cat. Obviously, this isn't a valid option for everybody, but it's a good idea if you're able to support another feline.

7. You'll Need To Spend Time With Your New Cat

A cat is meant to be a companion animal (although they are also very useful for eliminating rats and mice). As such, you will need to spend time with your new cat and create a bond with the animal. Treats and food help, but it's not just about giving them handouts. You want them to understand that you are a friend, and they will respond accordingly.

8. The Cat Might Hide for a while

When you adopt a cat, you don't usually know its history. This animal could have been abused, neglected, or who knows what else? As such, your new cat might get a little "weirded out" in a new environment. Sometimes, they respond to this emotion by hiding for most of the day. The best thing you can do here is to be patient. Leave their food and water in a quiet, secluded place and give them time to acclimate.

Conclusion

On the whole, cats are pretty low-maintenance. they usually don't have to be housebroken, they don't tend to be overly aggressive, and they generally look after themselves as much as they can. Still, your cats and other pets do require certain things from you, and that's why it pays to be prepared before bringing one into your home.