Getting a cat?

Always wanted a cat but never had one? I can't fully prepare you for getting a cat, however I can give you an idea of what you'll want to buy for your new furry pal. As the pet mom of four cats, I can tell you each cat has it's own personality. There are pure bred cats you can purchase, but considering how many cats are put down each year I'd highly recommend adopting. Unless of course you have allergy issues. Depending on the shelter it shouldn't be too expensive adopting. Just so happens all of ours are purely rescue or farm cats, so I've never dealt with a shelter. Before getting a cat research them. A vague idea of what to expect, feed them daily, clean the litter box daily, fresh water, ect. Not very high maintenance. Since I chose all my dog items from Petsmart, I decided to head over to Wal-Mart for cats.

I love the design of this carrier, it got good reviews as well. Only $20. My cats have beds and two of them use the beds. So it's a hit or miss whether or not your cat will use theirs. So for a first time bed you might want to go cheap, this one $21 but they have cheaper. I just picked this one because it looks like one my cats or dog would use. Now I don't have a cat tree, but I really want to get one when we have the space. They can run a hefty price, and there are several websites for directions on a DIY cat tree. This one is $95, not too bad. Like I said, if you have the room and money it's a good idea. Cats love love love high places to sleep. Also cat trees tend to have several scratching posts.

So feeding is pretty basic, you can get a pet fountain which can range from $30-$100+ for water. We just use regular bowls. But yeah, bowls $5 and the mat is $10, but you can find them cheaper than that. I recommend a decent sized food bin. This one is $20, again I just use an old cup to scoop the food out. I would hunt around the store, maybe check where they keep the other bins if you're looking for something cheaper. As far as food goes, I would avoid the really cheap stuff like Meow Mix and off brands, a lot of those can cause the cat to gain weight. Try to stick with an indoor formula if your cat is going to be indoors. I normally try to get Purina. Pet food is just something each owner will have their preference for.

Litter is a hard thing to pick out sometimes. Do you want it to clump? Do you want organic? I normally use Arm & Hammer Multi Cat ($12-$15). But if money is tight I just get the $4 Wal-Mart brand. Just throw some baking soda into the litter to help it stay fresh. The litter box I picked is basic and works quiet well. Only $8, the automatic ones are normally a rip off. The ones with sifters can become messy. The sifter is only $2. Clean the litter box out daily and it should take less than five minutes, also instead of buying kitty trash bags, you can always recycle plastic shopping bags.

Alright so some more basics: collar and id tag. Again I keep the id tags basic; pet's name and phone number. A brush and nail trimmers, also for the occasional gross cat shampoo. I might bath my cats once or twice a year. Just depends on if they get gross feeling. As far as cat toys go, laser lights are awesome. Scratching posts are a must if you want to keep your furniture unscathed. You can find a good scratching post for under $10. A string toy is great too. And maybe some cat nip toys.

I know this looks like a lot, and it can be a lot for the initial set up. But your looking at under $100. Just depends on how much you want to get. But the bare basics are: Carrier, collar, id, food & water bowls, litter box, scoop, food, cat litter, and grooming. I wouldn't worry about going overboard on toys in the beginning. Just a few then maybe buy more later.

Be sure when you bring the new kitty home to put them in a quiet room, open the carrier, then let them roam on their own. Best to put the litter box and food in the quiet room. Once the cat is adjusted to the new home, then you can place the litter and food where it will normally go. Cats are very simple to house break. Generally just place the cat in the clean litter box, and rub their paws on the litter. They get the picture. All of our cats have only had to be introduced to the litter box once.

Enjoy your new pet, and remember the best thing to give them is a loving and stable home.