There is nothing better than having a new BFF — Best Feline Friend. To make sure you’re prepared for the kitty awesomeness, we recommend these helpful tips:
Look for a cat that matches your personality: some cats like to sleep; others like to play
Consider adopting more than one cat! When cats are adopted in pairs, they tend to adjust better to new environments, especially kittens from the same litter
Find a veterinarian ahead of time; you will likely need to visit a vet after your first week of adoption
Make sure everyone in the household is on board with adopting; please do not give cats as gifts, unless the person has showed sustained interest in having a cat and can adequately provide for a pet
If you have other dogs or cats, pay special attention to introducing your new pet; check out these tips
Budget for the short term and the long term; most shelters provide spay/neuter and vaccinations, but make sure to ask — cats are fur-ever friends and require ongoing veterinary care
When cats are adopted in pairs, they tend to adjust better to new environments.
Supplies you’ll need include: a litter box, litter, food/water bowls, collar/tags, cat toys and scratching post(s); it’s also a good idea to buy nail trimmers and a cat hair brush
Consider investing in a “kitty condo” or cat tree; cats love to look down on their environment from a raised position
Do some research on the best kinds of cat food for your budget
You may want to put away or store small household objects; cats will push them off counters or shelves, and kittens may try to eat them
Also, secure or store fragile objects from shelves or mantels; cats will surprise you with how high they can jump; they can also be a little clumsy
Make sure your residence has no open holes, registers or ductwork that your cat could climb into and get stuck in
Patience, patience, patience! Be prepared for a slow introduction process; sometimes cats need time to warm up to their new surroundings (psst, it’s worth the wait!)
