Cats 101: Getting Your First Cat

A "Safe Room" needn't even be a separate room, but could be an empty closet, a corner of your bedroom with a protective screen, or a seldom-used bathroom. The important thing is that your new cat has a place he can call "home," where he can retreat and rest. He may voluntarily choose to socialize with you and other family members, but for now, let him decide whether to hide or mingle. It may take several days to a week or more, depending on his history, but your patience at this point will yield exponential results in a happier relationship with your cat in later days.

Furnishings for Kitty's Safe Room

• A Place to Sleep
  It doesn't have to be a fancy bed. A box lined with a soft blanket or towels would work well. You can also put towels in the bottom of his carrier with the door left open so he can readily come and go. This is an excellent "bed" if he doesn't have an exclusive room, and it will have the added bonus of encouraging kitty to accept his carrier as a "friendly place."
  Top Picks: Cat Beds
• A Litter Box
  A clean litter box is an essential. Use any non-clay litter and keep it scooped regularly.
  Top Picks: Premium Litter

• Food and Water Bowls

  Choose sturdy, tip-proof bowls (see Shopping List). Be sure to separate the feeding station from the litter box, as cats are pretty fastidious about their habits.
  Top Picks: Food and Water Bowls
  Top Picks: Premium Dry Cat Food

• A Scratching Post
  You'll need more than one eventually, but for now one post will suffice. The sloping cardboard Cosmic Alpine Scratcher would be a good choice. It is sturdy, relatively inexpensive and is a favorite of most cats.
  Top Picks: Scratching Posts
• Toys
  Once your newest family member has adjusted a bit, he will want to exercise by playing. Rolled-up wads of paper will do, but I suspect you've loaded up on commercial toys during your shopping trip.
  Before You Buy Toys for Cats
  Top Picks: Toys for Cats
• A Chair (For You)
  In a day or so you'll be able to visit Kitty from time-to-time, so make yourself comfortable with a book. Once he becomes accustomed to your presence, he may even surprise you by jumping onto your lap.

This completes Part 6 of an 8-part series on Getting a New Cat.

The Series:

1. Part 1:Introduction and Index
   
2. Part 2: Am I Ready for a Cat?
   
3. Part 3: What Kind of Cat Should I Get?
   
4. Part 4: Where Should I Look for a Cat?
   
5. Part 5: Shopping List for New Cat
   
6. Part 6: Preparing a "Safe Room">You are here
   
7. Part 7: Cat-Proofing Your Home
   
8. Part 8: Bringing Kitty Home