new cat owner plz help?

Question

hi i am thinking about adopting a cat, i have never owned a cat before but i know the basics, i was just wondering what all i should get for him and what other stuff i might need to know...thanks

o i also have a 6 mnth old old english bulldog, i need any suggestions about the meeting of him and the cat, he likes cats but gets a little excited, i would like them to be good friends, please help, thanks

Answer 1

This is going to sound well soft.........but you need to let your dog and your new cat have their own space to start off with.

We've had dogs and cats for a long while now and each time we make an addition to the family we make sure that they have somewhere to hide if they like and so they can feel safe. (Our last cat hid under the floorboards in our bathroom for a week until he felt comfortable enough to come and join us all - now you can't keep him away from our other animals or off our laps).

I suggest you put a room aside for your new cat to have as his own, but let him come and go in the house as he pleases and make sure he has food and water. He'll make friends when he's good and ready.

Make sure you also give your cat plenty of fuss and attention and don't forget to give this to your dog as well - he mustn't be made to feel left out because of the new addition.

I hope your dog and cat become the best of friends.

Answer 2

Well you need a good brand of cat/kitten food such as Iams or Purina One and two bowls.
It is essential upon adopting a kitten/cat that you ensure you have a really good all-wormer such as Revolution which kills fleas, flea eggs, ear mites and all worms applicable to cats.
A scratching post is a good idea too unless you don't mind your sofa being ripped to shreds.
Warm and comfortable bedding needs to be provided and you can usually pick up one of those kitty-mattresses quite inexpensively.
Toys such as little furry mice, any sort of toy on a piece of elastic and a few balls are fine.
A good kitty-litter tray is important - the best ones are the dome shaped ones with a swing door on the front as it prevents litters from being flung all over your floor and keeps the odour contained. I find those crystal-type litters are the best but it should still be cleaned once every day or every couple of days.
One tip - until you get to know your new cat - move all plants out of the way as they can be used as either a litter box or as a toothpick stand!

Answer 3

A litter box and some cat litter. Get the scoop-able kind.
A water dish and a food dish. Kitten food if you get a kitten. Otherwise get cat food. I prefer Purina's Cat Chow.
A few toys to play with but don't go all out with the toys.
Kittens love to chase a balled up piece of paper rather
than a fake furry mouse toy. Don't waste your money on a fancy cat bed. Cats will sleep where ever they want...
not where you want them to. Get your new pet to a vet for
all the necessary shots. Enjoy your new friend. Just read your additional information. Keep the animals seperated
for a few days and let them sniff each other through a closed door. After a few days open the door and let your
pets meet each other. They will work things out on their
own after that.

Answer 4

HOW ABOUT A CARRIER. You will need to transport your kitty to and from the vet. Also it is a good buffer zone for the first encounter with the dog. I usually set the newby in a fairly busy room let the dog explor and let the cat feel safe from any aggression. This continues until you think that the kitty is no longer an object of food for the dog or a scary competitor. Gradually they both take these first visits in stride. Good luck

Answer 5

Introduce the animals slowly and only when supervised until everyone is ok together. The dog will play much more aggressively than the kitten and may scare it and possibly hurt it. The kitten will learn to defend itself quickly. Make sure the kitten has an escape route when they play just to be safe for everyone. Lots of toys for he kitten, just make sure the dog won't swallow them. Don't feed the kitten milk, a very small amount occasionally is ok but it will give them the runs, better off with a kitten chow to start, can food often makes for stinky breathe and litter pans. Make sure the litter isn't easily accessible to the dog, he might think it's a treat (sad but true)

Answer 6

mmm - new baby, how fun. Make sure the kitten is big enough to stand up to some slightly rough play from the pup! (My Chesapeake Bay Retriever used to carry them around in his mouth, wet but unhurt!) Also, make sure you play with the new baby and the dog equally - don't let him be jealous, and feed them in totally separate places so he doesn't think the kitty is eating his food. They can be territorial. You'll need a litter pan, cat food, cat bowls, (you can use any bowls, as long as he knows they're his) plenty of fresh water, keep the litter clean - scoopable is easiest - and a good vet. Don't forget to neuter or spay when they're the right age - and keep kitty inside to make sure he has a long and happy, safe life. Have fun!

Answer 7

First of all, are you sure you want a cat. I've lived with cats for more than 20 years because of my Mom's fondness of those little creatures. First of all I am not so sure if your dog will adapt to a new pet especially his natural enemy. But my Mom also have dogs who are friends with our cats. They share beds together. Maybe the dogs thought that these cats are dogs and vice-versa. Anyway, things you should know. First cats love scratching almost everything. They hate bath. They think of you as another big dumb cat who needs to feed them. Cats are very independent and are very stubborn. They loved to be stroked ands loves to watch and observe you. They are a predatory animal and extremely playful. Bed careful because they unintentionally scratch you while playing. I guess you like pets so be kind to your pets. If you scold them they don't like it and will hold a grudge. They really steal food from your table while you are not looking. Remember the phrase, "Cat Thief". That's really true. But to sum it up they make good company especially watching TV. They don't usually watch but they like sitting beside you. It has been said that stroking a cat can ease your stress. Don't lock them in a cage they hate it. Good luck and enjoy them as much as they enjoy playing with you.

Answer 8

Cats love toys and soft bed preferably yours. Cats are very easy to take care of food water litterbox and lots of love. slowly initiate the cat and the dog with a gate to block them so they can take there time getting to know each other. Never put animals together when they are first meeting. They should be good buddies.

Answer 9

well... you would need the following: litter box, cat litter, toys, food (has to be the same kind of food that the people that have been feeding him/her), treats. they love catnip and strings. and i would suggest introducing them slowly. have your dog look at your cat or sniff it. same with the cat. and if your cat's scared, well that's ok. him/her will be new to your house and will need to get used to the animals that are living in it. don't let your dog chase after your new cat. make sure that the cat and dog are in seperate rooms until they get used to each other. if you have an extra bedroom. lock ur cat in there. and once in a while, have your dog locked up in your room and let your new cat explore his surroundings. i no this is long but i hoped this helped!!!.

Answer 10

lets see... before your kitty arrives, you will need to get:
1. cat litter tray and kitty litter filler and scooper
2. small cat food bowl
3. small cat water bowl (one that is "turn-over- resistant"!)
4. cat toys
5. scratching board (buy a cheep one at this stage to see how kitty takes to it - cats have different tastes when it comes to materials to scrath - some like carpet; other like wood; others like sisal rope; others like cardboard - so get a cheep one first)
6. Flea killer like Advantage or Frontline or Revolution for KITTENS
7. Cat food (canned or dry kibbles KItten formula)
8. Cat brush
9. Cat carrier
10. Make VET appointment for regular check-up, shots and de-worming

After all that, you're all set to welcome your new kitten home!

PS. Do not be tempted to buy a cat bed becuase cats almost always refuse to use such things