If you have thought about giving a cat a forever home, there’s no better time than now. June is National Adopt a Cat Month, and shelters and cat rescues throughout Hampton Roads are ready to match your family with an adorable feline friend. Here at Care-A-Lot Pet Supply, we are proud to help cat families by offering the best cat food, litter, and other items for your new cat’s care and well-being.

Your New Cat Checklist

Before you visit your area shelter, it’s important to plan ahead. Whether you are adopting a kitten or a fully grown cat, preparations are key for a happy, healthy pet. “Pet proofing” your house before introducing your cat ensures their safety. Important things to take care of before you adopt include:

• Moving all breakable and sharp objects out of reach.

• Storing products toxic to cats, like household cleaning and beauty products and medicines, in closed-door cabinets.

• Removing plants that are toxic to cats. Azaleas, daffodils, and lilies are a few examples.

• Wrap and secure exposed cords.

You may also wish to invest in baby-proof locks on cabinets to prevent curious cats from slipping into forbidden places. Be mindful, too, of your furniture, not just as scratch risks. Cats can sometimes get caught in reclining chairs, for example, so you might need to find alternatives.

Cat Supplies: The Basics

It’s a good idea to have the essential cat needs ready at home when you welcome your cat. Dedicated spaces for eating, sleeping, and elimination can condition your cat to know where it’s safe to play.

First and foremost, you will want to purchase a carrier for safe transport. This will be the first thing your cat experiences after adoption, so choose one that is comfortable and easy to move. We recommend the Midwest Spree carrier, available in multiple colors. You’ll use this for trips to the vet, grooming, and vacations. Don’t forget these essential supplies, either:

Cat Treats: Have a bag or two of treats handy during the first days. Your cat may be skittish in their new home, and the occasional treat can help calm nerves and reinforce good behavior.

Recommended: Cat Sushi Bonito Flakes, Inaba Chicken Fillet, Tiki Cat Stix Variety Pack 

Cat Scratchers: Cat scratchers are a must! They help your cat sharpen their claws, and they also promote communication via scent glands on their paws. Plus, having several around the house will hopefully save destruction to your floors, walls and furniture.

Recommended: K&H Creative Kitty Tunnel 

Food and Water Bowls: Purchase bowls that are easy to clean. Stainless steel is ideal, wide and shallow enough that their whiskers do not touch the sides. Water fountains specially made for pets are also a great choice in that they can keep water cooler and fresher. Whichever you choose, don’t place the food bowl too close to the water bowls, and keep both far away from their litter boxes. 

Recommended: Durapet Stainless Steel cat bowls (three sizes available), PIXI Stainless Steel Water Foundation

Cat Boxes: Choose a sturdy litter box with high walls or a cover for added privacy, so your cat is comfortable. It’s also recommended to have multiple boxes, one more than the number of cats at home, to minimize risk of accidents.  

Recommended: A&H Large Rimmed Cat Litter Pan, with Intersand OdorLock Premium Unscented litter

Cat Beds: This is where you want your cat to sleep or rest, so it should be placed in a quiet area. When shopping, consider a cat bed built high to accommodate your cat’s desire to climb.

Recommended: Outward Hound Meow Hut

Cat Toys: Toys provide physical and mental enrichment and are a great way to bond with your cat. We recommend a variety of chasing and pouncing games, catnip and soft bat toys to keep your cat entertained.

Recommended: Cat Charmer Wand, Laser Cat Toy, YEOWWW School of Stinkies Catnip Toy

Getting Along With Your Cat

Once your cat is home, let them settle into their new environment.  It may take time for them to become more social, but as you spend time with them it will happen. Remember, too, to respect any need for them to hide away if they want. Learn their rhythms and routines, and slowly introduce your cat to family members, other pets and their new home. Keep comfort items close at hand, and make sure they see a veterinarian for regular checkups.

For everything else, Care-A-Lot Pet Supply is here with quality cat food and health supplies. If you have questions about a specific product, feel free to speak with our online chat representative, or visit any of our stores in Hampton Roads or Moyock, North Carolina.