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Pet supply stores these days are big business- trying to sell a bewildering variety of products to new and experienced pet owners. If you're contemplating becoming a new cat or kitten owner, a starter list of essentials might help you decide what to buy. You may want to look at expert advice from the UK based charity, the Cats Protection League, on one of their many online factsheets on cat care. The following list echoes some of their tips for the basic items & services for caring for a domestic cat or kitten:
o Build a relationship with a recommended local vet – your cat or kitten will need micro-chipping, vaccinations, neutering. You will need a friendly, trusted place for advice & treating any illness or injury in the future.
o Flea control products – cats easily pick up fleas – ask the vet to recommend a brand, vetary products are stronger than 'supermarket' brands
o Worming products – cats also easily pick up worms, again a question for the vet. Some products combine worming and fleas control and could save you money,
o Dry cat food / 'dental cleaning' dry cat treats to maintain oral hygiene – cats can get cavities and plaque build up just like humans
o Toys for exercise and stimulation – a must for indoor kitties and good for health and bonding with you for indoor-outdoor cats
o A nice comfy 'bed' – a cat bed from a pet store or somewhere that is cozy and warm to sleep
o A bowl for water – cats must have access to clean fresh water around the clock
o Daily feeding with cat food – and their own special bowl to eat from
o A cat brush – longhaired acts need brush daily, to avoid matting fur, (which needs a trip to the vet for removal) & shorthairs need brushing once a week
o Pet Care Insurance – to cover unexpected vet bills (can be eye-wateringly high)
o A scratching post-I recommend one to encourage your cat or kitten to keep their claws in good shape – away from your furniture. Sofas are a popular choice for kittens; train yours to use the post instead.
Cat Licences
Readers in the UK will no doubt be baffled. At the time of writing there was no legal requirement to obtain a license for owning a cat in the UK. But in the USA and Canada, you are strongly advised to check with your local authority, as in some locations, it is 100% a legal requirement to obtain a proper license for owning a cat, just the same as it is for dogs.
IMPORTANT: This article is for general information purposes only – no information can be a substitute for professional vetary or legal advice.
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Source by Norma De Bloom
