What must you do to prepare for your cat?

Before bringing your new cat home, prepare places for it to eat, sleep, and eliminate. Purchase necessary accessories such as a litter box, litter, toys, and food and water bowls. Pet-proof your home by keeping toxic chemicals and plants out of reach, and make sure windows are securely screened when open so that your cat cannot escape. Be sure to provide appropriate scratching materials, such as a scratching post, so your cat can stretch and sharpen its claws without damaging your furnishings.

Plan to spend time training your cat so that it becomes comfortable with handling and grooming, and learns how to play and interact with people. Provide different kinds of play with a variety of toys, balls, or even a climbing tower. Kittens need frequent attention to socialize them to people and acquaint them with new things and experiences. Careful supervision also helps the kitten learn the rules of the household.

If you already have a cat and wish to add another, matching personality types may help the transition go more smoothly. For example, quiet cats should be matched with those of similar temperament. When another cat or kitten enters the home, introductions should proceed slowly with periods of isolation and separation until each cat learns to accept the other. If problems arise, consult your veterinarian for help.

Appropriate toileting areas are essential when multiple cats live together. This means at least one litter box per cat in more than one location. Food, water bowls, scratching posts, and resting areas should also be spaced throughout the home.

To ensure they live long, healthy lives, cats require regular veterinary medical checkups. Ask your veterinarian about a vaccination program and other preventive medical care appropriate for your cat's lifestyle and to protect against disease risks in your area. Your veterinarian can also help you learn how to detect subtle signs of illness, since cats are good at concealing when they don't feel well

1. What's special about cats?
2. What choices do you have in cats?
3. What are the special needs of cats?
4. Who will care for your cat?
5. Does a cat fit into your lifestyle?
6. Should you get a kitten, or an adult cat?
7. Can you afford a cat?
8. Where can you get a cat?
9. What should you look for in a healthy cat?

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