LIFE

If you're thinking about bringing a cat home for the first time, congrats! Feline friends are some of the most reliable ones you can have—but they also take some getting used to. Here are some things you should know before taking home a new furry family member.

Adopt, don't shop

@mo.gilevskaya

If you've been dreaming about owning a cat of a specific breed, age, etc, you might be tempted to buy a cat from a breeder instead of adopting from the more limited selection at your local pet shelter. But by supporting breeders, you might be putting money in the hands of greedy animal abusers.

Lots of breeders prioritize the way an animal looks—or making the most money possible—over the health of the kittens and puppies in their care. That doesn't mean every breeder in the world is guaranteed to be evil, but it's hard to know for sure if a breeder's practices are ethical.

Pet shelters are often overflowing with animals who don't have homes. It might be harder to find a shelter cat who fits the exact description you want, but it's better to open your home to a cat who has nowhere else to go than to risk supporting animal abuse.

You'll also save a *ton* of money this way, since pet shelters don't usually charge more than $100 (and that pays for any vaccinations/medical procedures the cat needs before you can safely take it home). Breeders charge a lot more because they're trying to make a profit.

Bonding will take time

So you've brought your cat home! You might assume that you'll instantly click and become BFFs. But in reality, the cat will probably be pretty shy. They might even hide under furniture or scurry away from you. But don't take it personally—that doesn't mean the cat hates you. Your furry friend just needs some time to adjust to their new environment. Eventually, they'll get more comfortable with receiving and showing affection.

You may have to cat-proof the house

@danielarthury

Let's get real: Cats can be messy. They like to scratch things, especially furniture. If you don't want your favorite sofa or chair to become a shred of fabric, make sure you buy your kitty a scratching post to use instead.

You'll also want to make sure that you don't accidentally bring something in the house that endangers your cat. For example, not everyone knows that lilies are especially toxic to cats—not just the flower, but the whole plant, from stem to pollen. Consuming just a hint of this plant can kill a cat within days. Essential oils like peppermint and tea tree are also harmful to cats.

Make sure you do your research so you know if anything you own could potentially harm your pet. Cats deserve to live in a safe, healthy environment just like humans do.

Accidents might happen

If you're bringing home a baby kitten, certain *oopsies* are bound to happen sooner or later. That might mean coughing up a hairball, vomiting or taking care of business outside the litter box... all things that can make you go crazy. But remember: Your kitty is getting used to a new space. They may not be used to using a certain litter or eating a certain kibble. Their bodies and brains will have to adjust. In the meantime, be patient (and stock up on pet-friendly cleaning products!).

If you have other pets, be careful

@boytedz

Cats can be pretty territorial animals. If you're introducing them to any other animals in your home, proceed with caution. Just throwing them in a room together won't help them get along—actually, they might end up clawing each other instead.

Introduce pets to each other very slowly, and start out with their scent. Keep them in separate rooms until they pick up on each other's smell. They'll get curious, and over the course of a few days, you can get them closer and closer.

After they recognize each other's scent, you can place them in the same room with a barrier between them so they can check each other out. If they don't show any signs of aggression, you can then get rid of the barrier and let them come into contact. But don't get too excited and rush the process. You might accidentally make your pets hostile against each other for a long time.

Top image: @aestheticosyy
Slider image: @miyavlikedicikler

by Hana Tilksew | 4/7/2024