How to Add a Cat to the Household

Realize that adding a cat to the household will require a commitment to care for it. Even though a cat may like wandering through the house by itself, it will rely on you to provide basic care.

Cat-proof your home by securing cabinets with child-proof latches and keeping drapery cords out of reach and coiled up. Electrical cords should be unplugged or coated with a bad-tasting substance like hot sauce to prevent the cat from chewing on them. Medicines you have lying around should be stored securely.

Place a litter box with litter in a quiet part of the house. When you bring your cat home, the first place you want to introduce her to is the litter box. If your pet is already litter box trained, which is often the case with kittens that grew up among other kittens, she will understand what the litter box is for.

Provide water and food for your cat in separate bowls that always stay in the same area so the cat knows where to go when he gets hungry or thirsty. The cat needs to have access to clean water at all times. How much to feed your cat depends on how old your cat is and the type of food you are feeding him. Special kitten food is available at pet stores and has different nutrients compared to adult cat food. You also have the choice of dry or wet cat food. Either way, cat food package instructions should be followed.

Don't purchase an expensive pet bed for your cat. Cats are finicky and like to find their own comfortable place in the house to sleep. Your cat might not use the pet bed at all. She might prefer the window or a cozy corner on the couch. Sometimes a pillow or folded towel is sufficient.

Visit the veterinarian after picking up your new cat. He will make sure your cat gets the needed vaccinations and answer any questions you may have.

Introduce the cat to a small area of the house upon arriving home. The cat should have access to his litter box, food and water. By placing him in a single room, he can start exploring the small area before venturing out into the rest of the home.

Play with your new cat every day so she gets used to being around you. This also will help her stay active and maintain a healthy weight. Cat toys are available at your local pet store.

Allow other people in the household to play with the cat, too, so that they all get used to being around each other. If you have a baby or small children, never leave them unsupervised with the new cat. It will take some time for them to get used to each other.