What supplies does a first-time cat owner need?

Question

I live alone in an apartment and am thinking about getting a cat. I've never had a cat before. What kinds of supplies would I need to get? How much should I expect to spend on these supplies?

Answer 1

A litter box is essential, that will be about $7 (check around, just get a cheap one but large enough). A bag of litter--cheap clay litter from WalMart is $2.55 and that will last over a month for you.

Litter Scoop - $1 to $5. Whatever isn't too flimsy.

A brush is nice but not necessary.

A water bowl that won't tip over (dog dish from the Goodwill store for $1 works fine).

Food bowl, or a plate for canned food (We use regular cereal bowl or plate here, they're washable)

Food - good quality. Look for 33% protein or higher, with a meat source in two to three of the first 5 ingredients but no by-products, and no corn (cats can't digest corn). Ones you can find at pet supply places are Wellness (expensive), Royal Canin Siamese 38 ($11 a bag, lasts a month), Wysong Vitality ($8), Chicken Soup for the Cat Lovers Soul ($9). Canned food needs to be at least 10% protein and with as few vegetables in as possible. A large can of NutroMax costs $1.09 and is enough for 4 meals for one cat).

Forget spending money on a bed, they won't sleep on it. Fold a towel if you want, they'll use that or sleep with you.

Answer 2

Go to: http://www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Base Camp - How to Prepare for your New Cat". That will certainly cover what you need.

Also read some of Dr. Hovfe's articles on cat nutrition such as "Why Cats Need Canned Food", "What Cats Should Eat", "Selecting a Good Commercial Pet Food", etc.

When people get a first cat or have a first baby they can spend a LOT of money. Remember those expensive cat beds, feeding dishes, etc. are not necessary at all. You have many things already around your place that will do just fine and be perfectly acceptable to your cat.

Patience is your most needed "commodity" and that is free. When you rehome a shelter cat or take a small kitten away from its mother and siblings you need that in great abundance as cats are notoriously shy about adapting to new homes and new people.

Answer 3

hello!
Cats can be loving, affectionate, fun members of your family, but need attention, discipline, routine medical care and stimulation to be healthy.
It's tempting to want a cat, especially during the holidays, but so many people don't understand how much responsibility is involved, though it's quite a bit less than a dog, as cats are more self-reliant, but still need you on a daily basis.

I'll give you a couple of websites to look at but first consider this:

Cats need to have fresh food and water daily. They thrive best on a combination of wet and dry foods. Wet is good for their coat and organs; dry for their teeth and digestion.

Cats are curious and playful.
They are clever and need stimulation from toys/games and activity. It doesn't have to be expensive. You can spend $10 on a few fuzzy mice, a rattling ball and a feather teaser, and supplement with a paper grocery bag to climb in, or a sturdy cardboard box. (Leaving a cat alone in a house all day and night won't result in having a happy pet). You can also leave a radio or TV on when you are at work.

Cats need privacy.
They seek security and privacy when they sleep during the day. They need somewhere they can "hide", that is comfortable, like a nice, soft, squishy cat bed. You can make one that is less expensive by taking an old bed pillow, putting it inside a cardboard box (that is big enough for kitty to lay in and feel comfortable) and put a fleece blanket or soft towel in there so kitty can curl up with soft material all around her and feel safe.

Cats need routine medical care.
You don't have to spend alot, and a good Vet won't scare you into coming in for unnecessary things.
When you get a cat, get a Vet recommendation from a friend, local shelter, local Petsmart or similar, and make an appointment. Have the cat looked at for general health issues. It shouldn't run you more than $25-$40, depending upon where you live.
The vet may recommend getting shots, if the cat is younger, which is smart to avoid feline FIP and other viruses common to cats. He will also check for worms, ear mites and other infections that cats get from being with other cats and in unclean environments.

Keep your cat indoors.
Cats that live indoors are healthier, safer and live longer. They have less stress, get in less fights and are safe from weather and environmental factors. Cats that are allowed to go outside sometimes wander away. Their sense of curiosity may make you "feel bad" about keeping kitty inside, but there is no biological reason they need to be let out. They aren't "missing" anything. They are just like "children" who want what they can't have.

I could go on and on, but it's best to read up on cat ownership to be a SMART cat parent. Remember it's not silly to put this much time into considering getting a pet that will be with you for the next 15-20 years...Yes, that's how long some cats live.

Check out www.aspca.org and www.purina.com for some Cat Care tips.

I wish you the best.

Answer 4

You seem to have it well sorted! If you have a handyman around, or are pretty handy with hammer and nails, try to build her a gym - something to climb, chew, sleep on, hide in, scratch, and climb again! You are not missing anything. Spends lots of time with the kitten and get it used to having it's mouth and teeth, ears, eyes, nose, bottom(!) looked at.

Answer 5

canned cat food, hard cat food, food and water dishes, litter box, litter, a few cat toys, a brush, some cat nip. $20.00