Cats 101 : Getting Your First Cat - Part 1 The "Safe Room"
Lesson 1: The "Safe Room" and "Cat-Proofing" Your Home
By Franny Syufy, About.com
If you've just adopted your first cat, you'll have lots of questions about his or her care which I hope to cover with these lessons. This course is ongoing, and no matter when you sign up, you'll start with lesson one, and move on to the end, when you and your cat will "graduate."
We're starting off Lesson One with kitty's "Safe Room" and "Cat-Proofing."
The Safe Room
It Doesn't Have to be a Room at All
Whether its a closet or a screened off section of another room, your new cat's safe room should be self-contained, with all his needs:
* Food and Water
* A Bed or Blanket to Sleep on
* A Litter Box
* Toys
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."
* A Litter Box
A clean litter box is an essential. Use any non-clay litter and keep it scooped regularly.
* Food and Water Bowls
Choose sturdy, tip-proof bowls. Be sure to separate the feeding station from the litter box, as cats are pretty fastidious about their habits.
* 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.
* 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.
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.
Last edited by ashleywong; 10-14-2008 at 10:09 PM.
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