What You Need to be a Cat Owner

I see that you are preparing for a new family member. A kitten, you say? You have a checklist of everything that you think you might need before the cat step foot into your house. Well, good for you. Let’s just see this list and think of it as a "cat owner manual".

1. Cat food. Good. It’s obvious that this sounds simple and very basic, but we have all found ourselves not stocking enough cat food for our previous cat to eat at one time or another.

2. Cat litter box. Marvelous. You also gotten the scoopable litter, another good choice. All you need is to get the "pooper scooper" and scoop any litter that's dirty. This just needs you to change the litter box every other day or so.

3. Toys. Great but do you think it’s a bit too early for that? I'm sure you are just trying your best not to let your cat get bored. But do you know that cats are similar to kids. You buy them a toy but they may end up playing with the cushion instead. So don't be too surprise about that and he may even prefer to play with an fluffy cushion instead.

Your cat will be totally thrilled with just about anything when he gets into the playful mood. I’ve had a few cats that only play with my TV remote but also know how to switch channels. Now if I can only teach him to switch to the right channels. You will soon find out that the house actually contains more toys to the cat than it does for you. Plus, keep in mind that cat toys make excellent gifts for cat owners.

4. A reliable vet. Your cat might not really know the value of this right now. But if you have a reliable vet on hand, there won't be much interruptions or problems with receiving great medical care.

If you are inexperienced in selecting a vet, then ask your friends with pets for recommendations. They will let you know which ones are the better ones and the bad ones. Call the local animal shelters too. They will direct you to not only the best but the least expensive ones. You can also try the Human Society in your area. Check online or in your local phone book. You will receive a good service at a reasonable cost plus, everyone involved in the organization has a common love for animals.

5. A brush. Yes, you need a brush to groom your cat with, and the two of you can build better bonds too. A brush also helps control shedding, which is a great thing as less fur will be on your clothes and furniture. Your cat will definitely appreciate it as he will have less fur to groom him, which in turn reduces his risks of getting hairballs in his digestive systems.

6. Patience. Remember to be patient with your new pet. He is coming to an unknown territory so give him a chance to investigate your house and to “sniff around” for new smells. That’s how he learns about his world. Also try to be patient while he is still learning the rules. Cats are different from dogs. A cat's determination is admirable such that when you tell him no and take him away from the kitchen counter. The next thing when you turn around, he’s back on the counter, smiling at you!

7. Love. No doubt this is the most important ingredients of all to make you the greatest cat owner. Love your new pet, how could you not love that cute little feline?

Prepare yourself to give enough love and patience and everything will work out well. Now, go and get your new cat into your house.