cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/2608895

So far, I'm to get:


Unscented cat litter.

Litter box (Get 1 more litterbox than cats you own, they like having options.) (get two)

Cat treehouse

Cat brush

Bed

Treats

Bowl

Water bowl (use purified or watered bottle, preferably; filtered water is also fine)

Urine chemicals and destroyers

Cat carrier.

https://www.chewy.com/naturally-fresh-unscented-clumping/dp/171577

https://www.chewy.com/inaba-churu-chicken-variety-creamy/dp/666742

https://www.greenies.com/products/feline-greenies-adult-dental-cat-treats-catnip-flavor-975-oz-tub

Go to the vet at least once a year.

Get vaccinated at least once a year.

food portions are depending on cat's weight buy toys/balls/cat lasers ,its good to exercise

organic cat grass

cat water-fountain

Lots of soft places to sleep, some high & some low

scratching post

balanced diet (good dry food (I use hills) and cans of wet food)

It's better to split the food like 3/4 of a cup in the morning and 3/4 of a cup in the evening with treats

Have multiple water bowl options they can choose from and keep them clean

Clean the litter box every day-- twice.

Hairball preventative made up of petroleum jelly.

It's best to use the lunch paper bags (to clean their waste)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/176379804268

Get some dewormer or other medical supplies like a flea treatment so you have it on hand if in need, if you can afford it.

Cat tooth-paste (they love malt flavor).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353440574835

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353440574835

Start with a teaser toy for the cat.

Use Purina Pro Plan Urinary for adult cats. It’s at Petsmart, but little pricey. Other options available. Just give them 1/3 of dry (AM/PM) and split one can amongst the three. Cats eating habits differ.

Micro-chip it ASAP!

Find a good vet, preferably one that specializes in cats. Follow their advice. Find a list of plants that are toxic to cats -- never, ever have lilies in your house or yard. Consider that strictly indoor cats live up to 10 years longer than cats that go outside.

Cat springs

https://www.amazon.ca/Ethical-Pet-Durable-Plastic-Colorful/dp/B000CMKHDG

Pet insurance is very good advice. Maybe ask your existing car/renter/whatever insurer if they offer it, sometimes they'll give you a discount to bundle things.

Avoid wheat, gluten, & or corn as filler as much as you can.


The above is everything that people have suggested to me.

If anyone has any brands to suggest or maybe extra things that aren't on this list, let me know.

Also, advice on raising a cat.

Well-known as well as obscure advice.

  • Llituro [he/him, they/them]
    hexbear
    4
    edit-2
    1 month ago

    you need to get some spray that has eucalyptus and citrus in it to spray shit you need to keep it away from. you can also make your own spray with like cayenne. cats really hate the smell of eucalyptus and citrus and also don't fuck with spicy tastes, so it can help a lot with a kitty that wants to nibble on the cords.

    if you decide you don't like clay litters, or your cat has a bad response to it, you can go to a farm supply store and get a bag of pine pellets like for horse barns. very cheap per volume, works pretty well as litter.

    it is possible for a cat to be allergic to plastic, and that allergy will probably look like little kitty hives that they scratch at. the skin would be raised. same goes for some cat allergies.

    food portions are depending on cat's weight

    It's better to split the food like 3/4 of a cup in the morning and 3/4 of a cup in the evening with treats

    definitely do some math based on your cats food, that amount by volume seems high for dry food. you seem to already know this though, this is something the vet will be able to help you with, especially if you ask.

    Use Purina Pro Plan Urinary for adult cats. It’s at Petsmart, but little pricey. Other options available. Just give them 1/3 of dry (AM/PM) and split one can amongst the three. Cats eating habits differ.

    that's basically what i do for my 3 cats.

    cat behavior is really different than dog behavior. the basic social relation a cat has with you is to see you as a surrogate mother. their typical behaviors tend to be related to that. learning how to communicate will make them more comfortable and confident in your home and with you.

    if your cat is too destructive, they might genuinely benefit from a friend. cats are social and kittens especially have a ton of energy they need to get by play hunting and running around. my anecdotal experience is that my first ~1.5 yo cat calmed down a lot after i got my second cat.

    there are certain different things cats can't eat. like dogs, can't eat chocolates or grapes. also really really can't eat any alliums, e.g. onion, garlic, shallot, etc.

    • Pluto [he/him, he/him]
      hexagon
      hexbear
      2
      1 month ago

      Yeah, the above that you quoted was from other people. All of this is compiled from other people, excluding the resources and web pages that were given to me. And yeah, I was told to use Urinary stuff to make sure that the cat doesn't get constipated or, err, "clogged."