San Francisco Vets

Getting a New Cat

When you get a new cat, it is very important to plan for their arrival and pay attention to their needs after they have moved in. Cats have certain requirements that are specific to their breed, so as a cat owner, you need to learn about them.

Litter Boxes

A litter box is imperative for a new indoor cat. If you don't have a litter box prepared for your new cat when it arrives, you are very likely to end up with a mess to clean. Cats like to hide their feces like most other animals (including humans) so you may not even notice it at first, but if the cat "has to go," it's going to "go." If you run into this situation and smell the feces but are unable to locate it at first, follow your nose and let it lead you to a place where it could be hidden. Common places for cats to poop include bed sheets, clothes hampers, and rugs (at Christmas time, keep an eye on that red rug you put under the tree). The best solution for this behavior is to keep the litter box fresh, accessible, and in a private area such as the laundry room.

Cat Toys

Cats love to play with toys so be sure you buy several. It can be a blast watching a cat chase yarn and slap little stuffed toys across the room. Consider buying your cat a "home" for them to spend some private time in. Many cat scratching posts have little cubby holes in them your cat could call home. There are also many other "homes" available for cats that you can easily keep inside your house for them.

Water

Be sure your cat always has enough water. While food should be provided to your cat only once or twice per day, it's a good idea to be sure they always have fresh water. Water is healthy for your cat and calorie free.

San Francisco Veterinarians

Our San Francisco vets can provide you with much more information about getting a new cat than any website is capable of. Contact us today to get professional advice that will make the experience between you and your new cat a long, healthy and happy one.