Your New Cat

ongratulations! You are the proud new parent for a wonderful kitten or cat! Please refer to the following information to help make your transition into a new life together easier. Even if you are an experienced pet caregiver, there may be some new information here, so please take a few minutes to read over this guide.

What you will need:

• Collar with ID tag
• Cat carrier
• Scratching post
• Stain/odor remover
• Water and food bowls
• Premium cat food
• Food storage bin and scoop
• Brush/comb
• Shampoo
• Nail clippers
• Hairball remedy
• Cat/kitten care book
• Litter box
• Litter
• Litter scooper
• Toys and treats

Helpful Hints

utfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that they will be returned home safely.

Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your friends or family with pets for a referral.

Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.

A slow, quiet approach is best for acclimating your cat to his/her new home. Introducing your new cat to other family members requires some planning, especially if the family includes children or other pets. All household members should be shown how to safely handle a cat. Remember that the newcomer is in a strange place and may be nervous at first.

Assume your new cat will get into anything and everything if you let her. All cats are curious, and kittens are twice as curious as their elders – watch for plants that are poisonous to pets and other household hazards.

Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.

Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.

Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.

Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved.

Conan

Mabel