How To Prepare Your Home For A New Cat

Cats bring a lot of joy into their owner’s lives, which is why they are a popular choice for couples, individuals and families. Whether you are picking out a family pet, or looking for the perfect breeding pedigree, you will need to prepare your home for the furry arrival. Many people assume that cats are less likely to get themselves in trouble than dogs, so there are no special preparations required. There are a lot of things to consider before bringing a cat home, and a few important steps you need to take to keep your moggy safe.

Indoor cat or outdoor cat?

If you live in a busy, built-up area, you might make the decision to keep your cat indoors. Indoor cats can be just as content as outdoor cats, provided they have plenty to do. Outdoor cats will need a safe and secure way to get in and out of your home – a cat flap activated by their  pet microchip would be ideal. Even if you plan to raise your cat indoors, it is still a good idea to get them microchipped, as there is always a chance they could escape from your home, or during a trip to the vet.

Create a safe space out of reach

If you are introducing a cat to a home with young children, they will need a safe space out of human reach so they won’t be bothered. Cats can become aggressive when they feel trapped, so it’s best if they have a warm and safe space out of reach of children and other animals. Ensuring the cat has an out-of-reach place to rest is one of the best ways to make sure it doesn't run away or roam too far.

A private place for the litter box

Cats are very particular about where they go to the bathroom, and will likely protest if they aren’t happy with the arrangements. Although covered litter boxes may help to mask any smells from you, your kitty won’t be fooled. An open litter box that is scooped two times a day will be more popular than a box with a hood. It should also be placed in a low-traffic area so your cat won’t be spooked when trying to go to the bathroom.

Look out for these toxins

There are many things around the home that you will need to look out for to keep your cat safe. Azalea, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), lilies, mistletoe and philodendron are all toxic to cats. They might also be attracted to antifreeze, which tastes sweet to animals but will nearly always be lethal. While you might have a cute idea in your head about cats playing with yarn or string, it can be dangerous if the cat swallows it. In the kitchen, keep your cat away from chocolate, leftover animal bones, and discarded cans, which can get stuck on their heads if they try to lick the leftovers. Outside, many garden pesticides can be toxic to animals, along with de-icing salts used to clear icy paths.