Introducing a new cat to your household is an exciting milestone, and while they are a bit easier to take care of than their canine counterparts, caring for your feline will still be a large responsibility. Cats require patience and, to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed, it’s important to set them up for success by altering your lifestyle in subtle ways. Keep reading to learn tips which first time cat owners should consider and how to best provide your new furry pal with the best life possible.

Cat-Proof Your Home

First and foremost, cats desire a designated space away from their owners and other pets. Additionally, if you don’t set up your cat’s space for them, they’ll create one for themselves in a location that you might dislike. This designated space should be away from everyone so that your feline can retreat and feel secure in overwhelming moments. Make sure this spot is comfortable by including a cat bed and toys that they like. Also, include one litter box for each cat in your home so that they have their own personal and private spot to do their business. Finally, secure your furniture so that they don’t claw on it, hide electrical cords and other breakable items, and put any human food out of reach.

Get to Know Them

While we don’t recommend you get to know them immediately, as they’ll need time to adjust, gradually spend more time with your cat and get to understand their personality. Patiently inspect their reactions to learn their likes and dislikes, such as, do they purr when being pet/scratched in certain areas? Do they prefer specific toys over other ones? Do they like water or do they avoid it? The list goes on and on, but by playing with them, petting them, and spending time with them you’ll slowly get to know the feline in which you share your living space with.

Choose Whether They’re an Indoor or Outdoor Cat

One of the early decisions every first-time-cat-owner needs to make is determining whether they’re an indoor or outdoor cat. While it’s difficult to make an indoor cat out of an outdoor cat after they’ve experienced the rush of being outside, it’s likewise difficult to adapt an indoor cat to behave correctly when let outside. Being away from dangerous outdoor elements, indoor cats generally live safer lives. However, indoor cats require regular enrichment and playtime to stay mentally stimulated, happy, and healthy. Oppositely, outdoor cats generally keep themselves busy and active when let outside, so they often just require their essential indoor needs met. Although, seeing how outdoor cats can live a happier and healthier life, they also face a much more dangerous lifestyle. While there’s no right answer here, it’s best to consider your lifestyle, your cat’s personality, and the conditions around your home to best determine if they’re trusted outdoors.

Choose the Right Diet and Nutritional Supplements

Cats thrive on the high-quality nutrients in their food, which is why we highly recommend Dr. Bill’s Pet Nutrition to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Combining decades of experience with the latest veterinary research and technology, Dr. Bill’s animal health supplements are designed to meet all federal and state regulatory requirements. All products are developed and manufactured in the U.S.A. from worldwide sourced ingredients for that support enhanced health, fitness, and longevity in cats. Dr. Bill’s Feline Ultimate Fitness & Health has 78 active ingredients that are formulated to provide a blend of high biological value proteins, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins, essential minerals, and multiple specialty ingredients known to be helpful in the development and maintenance of a strong, physically fit body, optimum health, and an extended life.

Be Proactive About Their Health

By finding your cat a great veterinarian, and regularly taking them in for check-ups, you’re setting your furry friend up for a long and healthy life. Having a dedicated vet is important to find health concerns, make sure they’re up-to-date on their vaccines, and overall ensure your feline will life a happy and pain-free life.

Help Them Feel Safe

A safe environment is a huge area of focus in your new cat’s mind. If your feline doesn’t trust you, they’ll have no problems with letting you know through bites, scratches, and overall destructive behavior. This is why it’s important to never punish or yell at your cat as they don’t understand this form of communication. Instead, kindly adjust your household and life in ways to best ensure your cat doesn’t get into undesirable or dangerous situations.