Bringing a new cat home can be exciting but it can also be stressful. If you do not have cats now and have never had cats before, you may find your new cat going after things or wrecking some of your nice things. Before you bring a new cat home, take some time to prepare your home for your new family member. Here are some things you may want to consider doing:
- Remove any poisonous plants that your cat may eat (or put them somewhere that your cat will not be able to get at them). Here is a list of plants that are poisonous to cats.
- Put your fragile valuables out of reach or lock them away. Cats like to play with things and knock them off shelves. Putting them away may avoid disappointment if they get broken.
- Tie up cords and put them out of reach for your cat. Cats like to play with hanging strings, put them out of reach. Remember cats can leap pretty high and they will not be afraid to try to get a dangling string that you might think is out of reach.
- Clip their claws. Cats like to scratch and will scratch on your furniture. Keep them clipped regularly to ensure they do not ruin your best furniture.
- Lock up cleaning supplies, medicines, and other dangerous products. Cats are curious and love to play with bottles. Keep them in a safe and secure place. Think about what you would do to keep your kids safe… this is your new child.
- If you live in an apartment, be careful about your cat on your balcony. How will you keep your cat indoors? If he gets on the balcony he may be looking to climb. Make a decision about whether your cat will be an indoor cat or an outdoor cat. That will determine what precautions you need to take.
There is so much more you could do. Take the time to research what you should do to prepare for your new friend to be safe in its new home. They say that “curiousity killed the cat,” be prepared for your cat’s curiousity.