Is a certain purring, meowing, fluffy creature about to move into your home? Wonderful! You probably want to be as well prepared as possible for its arrival. Below you’ll find the things a starter kit for a cat should include.
Litter tray and accessories
A cat toilet is a must, even for an outdoor cat. Its size should match the size of the animal: the cat should be able to turn around in it freely. You can choose between hooded and open litter trays. The former look like a little house, prevent litter from being scattered and simply hide what’s inside. Open trays, however, are cheaper and definitely better for younger cats, as they are easier to get into. Mats placed in front of an open tray stop litter from being tracked around. Also pick up a litter scoop and the litter itself.
Water and food bowls
Cats don’t eat much. A bowl with a capacity of up to 0.3 l for food and 0.4 l for water is perfectly sufficient. Shops offer a wide range of designs. Pay attention to the material, too: plastic bowls are cheaper and won’t break even if you accidentally kick them. They can, however, wear out and get scratched quickly. Metal bowls have similar qualities, but cats sometimes don’t like drinking water from them, because it takes on a metallic taste. Ceramic bowls are a little more expensive, but this is often down to their beautiful decoration and unusual shapes. Careful not to break them!
Toys
Cats, especially young ones, need loads of entertainment. There are tons of toys that satisfy their hunting instincts. From little plush mice, through teaser wands, to electronic toys controlled from your phone. To start with, a mouse and a wand are enough, and over time both you and your kitty will feel like trying out ever newer kinds of play 🙂 However, definitely say “no” to laser dots, which cats eagerly chase. True, you’ll keep them busy for a long while this way, but the elusiveness of the light is very frustrating and tiring for a kitten. A physical catch is essential for a contented kitty.
Scratching post
As with toys, there are plenty of variants. From simple posts to impressive cat houses. You can even make a scratching post yourself: all you need is a piece of worktop/chipboard or a paper towel holder and sisal rope glued around it.
Collar
A collar with an ID tag and a tracker isn’t just an idea for outdoor cats. Cats are curious creatures, and even indoor ones are enormously interested in the world outside. It may happen that, while we’re not paying attention, they decide to take a trip beyond the front door. A collar around the neck will identify the owner and help the cat get back home.
Tracker
notiOne GPS PET will help you find your pet not only at home, but also when it sets off on a longer wander. Thanks to GPS technology and a built-in SIM card, you’ll see on the map in the app exactly where your cat or dog is right now, with no range limits and no subscription.
This solution works both in the city and when your four-legged friend decides to explore fields or forests. You can always be sure you know where it is and react quickly if it wanders off.
Securing windows and the balcony
While we’re on the subject of safety: to prevent an uncontrolled escape, it’s worth securing the balcony and windows with netting. Another way to secure a window is to fit locks on tilt windows, so that a curious kitten doesn’t get stuck in the gap.
Bed
Experience tells us that cats often don’t like it when humans try to organise their lives and treat the beds bought for them with exceptional indifference. You can, however, buy a dedicated cat blanket and place it in the spot your cat has chosen.
Carrier
The kitten has to get to your home somehow. A carrier is a safe way to transport the animal, both for it and for you. Remember that it shouldn’t be too small, so the cat can turn around in it freely.
Grooming accessories
Brushing and claw trimming are routine tasks with kittens. Get yourself a comb and claw clippers. And if a long-haired cat is coming to stay, you might think about talc or grooming powder, which makes combing the fur easier.
Lint roller for hair and fur
This one’s a gadget for you 🙂 Cat fur on clothes doesn’t look good. This roller is a lifesaver against fluff on an elegant dress or suit.
When to put together a starter kit for a cat?
The best time to buy the right starter kit for a cat is when you’ve decided on a specific animal and are about to bring it home. That’s when you’re best able to match the toys, type of litter or size of the bed to your new housemate.
