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July
25
25
Prepping Your Home for a New Cat
If you're a cat lover, you know all about the special bonds between these furry felines and their humans. When our real estate agents show homes with cats, they're often greeted at the door and followed from room to room by these curious creatures that often rule the house.
Cats make adorable, loving pets, but they come with their own temperament and agenda, creating challenges and rewards. If you're looking for Rockford homes for sale and thinking about getting a new cat, there are things you should know before you bring your little bundle of joy home./span>
- Prepare for Your New Arrival
Kittens and cats are very curious by nature. They love to play and explore their surroundings—which often gets them into trouble. To protect them from danger, you need to cat-proof your home. Before bringing your cat home, go through the house and close any open windows, vents, cabinets, closets, and nooks the cat may be tempted to explore. Move or hide power cords, blind and drapery cords, and strings that can be hazardous. Pick up small objects on floors, countertops, and furniture that may pose a choking hazard. - Stock Up on Essentials
Before you bring your cat home, make a trip to the grocery or pet store to stock up on some essentials need:-
Quality kitten or cat food
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Healthy treats with nutrients
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Food and water bowls
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Litter box and cat litter
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Cat bed and carrier
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Collar and ID tags
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Scratching post
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Safe, soft toys
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- Create a Quiet Place to Sleep
Although cats love petting and attention, they prefer a quiet place to sleep where they can be left alone. Cat beds should be placed in a room or space away from noise and light and fairly close to the litter box. While most adult cats are active at night, kittens usually sleep 16-20 hours a day. Adult cats like their solitude, but don't be alarmed if your new kitten wakes up through the night meowing loudly to get your attention, much like a newborn baby. - Play with Your Cat
Kittens and cats need play and exercise to socialize and develop strong bonds with their pet parents. Once your cat comes home, set aside some time each day for play and exercise, which is vital to the cat's healthy development. Cats are easily entertained, so don't worry about buying a lot of expensive toys. They're just as happy chasing a ball or a mouse on a string, following a laser light around the room, or jumping up to catch a floating feather. - Take Your Cat to the Vet
Once you commit to a new kitten or cat, make sure you also commit to regular trips to a veterinarian for health checkups and vaccinations. A young kitten should be taken for a health check within a week of coming home. An adult cat should go within the first month.
The first visit should include a thorough examination, the first round of vaccinations, and a checkup for intestinal parasites, feline leukemia, and feline FIV, if the cat was a rescue or around other outdoor cats. To protect your cat and your home, talk to your vet about spaying or neutering and starting your cat on some type of flea and parasite control regimen.
If you're considering buying or selling in the Rockford area, contact us for information on available properties that meet your needs.