Cat Supplies
What Are the Essentials?
There are some basic cat supplies you need to get and have ready if you're thinking about getting a cat or you're in the fortunate position to be bringing home a new cat or kitten. The other stuff can wait.
Initial Cat Costs
Your initial costs will be on one-time products such as a cat carrier
and food and water bowls
. A litter box of some description is also a must. Something like a scratching post or cat tree might also be a good initial investment so the cat learns to use these instead of your furniture or carpets for scratching.
Intermittent Cat Costs
Cat toys of various descriptions fall into this category. As old ones wear out or your cat becomes bored with them, you'll need to replace them. Vet fees are another intermittent cost but one you should consider as virtually essential is the annual checkup and booster shot fees, the latter especially if your cat goes outdoors regularly.
Regular Cat Costs
The greatest ongoing cost is food and the amount of money you spend will depend on what food your cat will eat (some like wet/canned/pouch food, others like dry food and some like a mixture). Then you're into what brands of food your cat likes. Like you, they'll have a taste for certain foods and food made by particular manufacturers. Learning which is a bit of a trial and error exercise.
Cat litter will also be a regular cost as are litter box liners (if you're box uses them). cat treats are probably a little less of a regular cost.
How To Save Money
Given your cat's predelictions on food, litter and other cat supplies, it's best to buy the highest quality cat products you can afford. This will save you money in the long run and will benefit your sturdy plastic or metal cat carrier will last much longer than a cardboard one.
If you are on a budget, beware of shoddy goods as they may break and injure your cat. A poorly designed cat carrier might allow your cat to escape and she could be in great danger if that happens in an environment she's not familiar with. Do the best you can, but in all cases, make sure whatever you get for your cat or kitten is safe!
One way of saving money is to
bulk buy food or
cat litter, either from your local pet store or from online stores.
Whatever cat supplies you choose will ultimately affect your cats health, so it's important to choose wisely.
Recommended Cat Supplies For Your Cat
Ok, here's a list of the essentials for any cat (new or already a member of the household), listed, more or less, in decreasing importance:
Cat Food - if you've more than one cat, you may find that they like different foods, even food from different manufacturers. This is the case with my own two cats. One likes poultry-type meats in gravy; the other likes beef and fish meats in jelly. Neither will touch the other's food.
Food and Water Bowls - these can be as simple or ornate as you like and come as single bowls or double-bowls. My cats each have their own bowls which they're quite territorial about. Friends have cats that will eat out of the same bowl, so it's up to you and your cat(s) as to what system works for you and them. I use double-bowls, one for dry food, the other for wet and a communal water bowl.
Cat Litter and Box Liners - you'll need to find out what type of litter your cat likes to use (see Litter Box Basics for more information). You may also need a litter box scoop to scoop out the solids.
Cat carrier - an absolute necessity if you're bringing your cat anywhere. Not only does it provide an easy means for you to transport your cat but it also provides it protection against outside elements, whether that's the weather or other animals in a vet's clinic. If your cat travels frequently by air, this carrier is recommended by the airlines.
Scratching Post - save your furniture with a scratching post. Cats love to scratch and sharpen their nails and you'd probably prefer if it wasn't on your furnture.
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Flea Treatment - if your cat goes outside on a regular basis, picking up fleas is a real possibility. Having fleas makes your cat uncomfortable, wanting to scratch all the time. Fleas can also give your cat skin allergies which will be more expensive to treat than applying a flea treatment every couple of months.
Cat Toys - you need something to keep your cat amused. Toys can range from simple home-made types to soft catnip-laced toys to professionally made items. Playtime is good for both you and your feline friend and helps keep her hunting skills honed. If your home has ever been invaded by mice, a cat with good hunting skills is a great benefit and soon fixes the problem.
Cat Bed - your cat will always find a comfortable spot to sleep but it's position may not suit you; for example on the sofa or in a chair where loose hair will build up and dirt will get ground into the furniture. Cat beds come in various forms and provide a way of protecting your furniture and carpets as well as providing a comfortable place for your cat to snooze.
Cat Tree - this falls somewhat into the cat toy category and gives your cat several levels to sit and lie on (cats love heights). Sisal or carpet covered cat trees can also double up as scratching posts.
Kitty Condo - the next step up from a cat tree, these usually provide several levels and cubbyholes where your cat an play hide-and-seek or retire for some peace and quiet. Again, sisal or carpet covered condos can also double up as scratching posts.
Cat Collar - these are frequently bought as a kind of pet jewelry by owners but they can have real value for the cat itself. If you don't want the local bird population to be decimated by your furry pal, a bell attached to the collar usually gives them sufficient warning your cat is nearby (cats are sometimes driven nuts by this bell constantly tinkling under their chins). Magnets, used to open magnetic catflaps can also be placed on collars and some collars can be light-reflective, making it easier for motorists or cyclists to see the cat at night. One thing to beware of is having a collar too tight around you cat's neck. If you can put three of your fingers under the collar without causing your cat any discomfort, the collar is fine. Any more fingers and it's too loose. Fewer fingers and it's too tight.
Pet ID Tag - these are usually hung from a cat collar and identify the cat, her owner and where she lives. A contact phone number is usually included in the ID information. Many a lost cat has been found through the use of an ID Tag.
Cat Health Insurance - While not one of the essentials for your cat, it is something to consider for those unexpected circumstances - if your cat is injured or needs more than routine care duse to disease or accident, an insurance policy can save you hundreds of dollars by covering the medical and care costs.
Where Do I Find The Best Cat Supplies?
All of the above products can be bought from your local pet store or on the internet. Frequently, cat supplies on the internet will be less expensive but you usually have to add shipping costs. However, there also tends to be a larger range of products available. If you're buying several supplies at one time, you'll save more money because the shipping costs will be less.
If you do decide to use the internet to buy your cat supplies, don't forget to take account of the time it will take to have the items shipped to you. If you are bringing a new cat or kitten home, you'll need to make sure that you have the basic essentials ready and waiting for the new arrival.
