What You Need to be a Cat Owner

So you’re bringing home that new member of your family.  What did you buy?  A kitten, now that would make a great addition to you home.  You think you covered everything.  You got a checklist of things you believe you need prior to bringing your new pet home.  Now, let’s take a look at that list you put together.  

1.    Cat Food.  That’s a great idea.  It should be the first on your list.  Your new pet is going to need something to eat.  Even though this may sound silly, we have all been there before.

2.    Cat Litter and Litter Box.  Great idea and you thought of the clumping litter, another great idea.  It’s the best invention ever.  Get the pooper scooper and scoop away any litter that is dirt, this way you don’t have to change the litter box every day.

3.    Toys.  Now we wouldn’t want your new friend to get bored now would we.  Cats are like children, you go out and buy that expensive toy, but they wind up playing with the box.  You might be surprised, but I’m sure you will find you cat inside a box or two.  Some cats even try to hide in empty paper bags.  

Your new friend will be delighted with their new toys, especially if they are in a playful mood.  I’ve seen cats take apart ink pens; this can be very annoying because the cant put the back together. Your cat will show you things in your house that can be used as toys, things you never even thought of.  If you have an over abundance of cat toys laying around, remember that they make great gifts for fellow cat owners.  Do you know any?

4.    Time to find a great doctor for your new pet.  Your pet may not show it right now.  But they will appreciate you finding them a good veterinarian prior to bringing them home.  This will prevent any interruptions or problems in your pet receiving good medical care.

If you have never owned a pet before, it’s a good idea to shop around.  Ask your friends that own cats and see who they use.  If their happy with their choice of vets, they will let you know.  On the other hand, if they are unhappy they will really let you know.  Call the local animal shelters, they will try to steer you in the direction of the best for the best price.  You might also be able to locate a good veterinarian by checking with the local Humane Society.   You can find their number online or in the Yellow Pages.  With them you will find good service at a great price, and everyone who is involved with them just loves animals.

5.    Buy a brush.  A brush?  Yes a brush, grooming your cat is a great way for the two of you to bond.  In addition to bonding it helps control shedding.  You both will appreciate the fact that you’re helping in the control of shedding, since it will reduce the amount of fur on your clothing.  It will also help limit hairballs.
 
6.    Patience.  It’s a big thing.  You should be patient with your new friend.  When he enters your home, its new to him.  Give him a chance to investigate and smell out things that are new to him.  While he learns the rules of the house, you should be patient with him.  The rules of discipline for a dog and cat aren’t nearly the same.  Cats are great.  You have to admire their determination, you tell them no and as soon as you turn your back, they are at it again.
 
7.    Love.  The most important ingredient of them all.  Showing your cat that you love will make you the ultimate cat owner.  Just look at your little friend, how could you not love him.

Love and Patience, I probably should have put them at the top of the list.  With these two things everything else of being a cat owner will fall into place.  Now its time to head out and get your new pet.  Enjoy the time you will spend with your new feline friend.