Essential Cat Preparation Checklist for New Owners

After welcoming a new cat into your home, there are several essential steps to ensure your feline friend's comfort and health. Here's a detailed guide to help you get started:

Essential Preparations

1. House Disinfection: One day prior to bringing your cat home, thoroughly disinfect your entire living space. Opt for hypochlorous acid disinfectant (nontoxic and safe) or 84消毒剂 (toxic, avoid letting the cat lick).

Disinfection Method: Spray or soak items and surfaces the cat will come into contact with, as well as clean the floors.

2. Cat Cage: Choose a cage that is spacious enough to accommodate a litter box, food bowl, and some room for movement. Avoid overly large cages.

3. Cat Food: Refer to the food your cat was eating at the shelter or breeder.

4. Litter: Consider using tofu or clay cat litter.

5. Cat Bowls: Personal preference is key, but ceramic bowls are often recommended.

6. Litter Box: Start with an open litter box and consider switching to a closed one later.

Essential Items for Your New Cat

1. Cat Carrier: A sturdy, nontoxic plastic carrier, or even an airlineapproved crate, is essential for safe transport and outings.

2. Nail Clippers: A simple pair of nail clippers will suffice for regular grooming.

3. Brush: Keep a lowend brush on hand for daily grooming, and consider a highquality Kristin Jensen brush for more luxurious fur care. A deshedding brush for longhaired cats during summer months is also beneficial.

4. Grooming Products: Begin using dematting products around 5 months of age.

5. Ear Cleaning Solution:维克耳漂 or 耳净康 are recommended for maintaining ear hygiene.

Optional Items

1. Canned Food: Brands like巅峰 or 小李子 offer highquality canned food, though it's not necessary in the first three months.

2. Treats: Treats can be given sparingly.

3. FreezeDried Food: These can be given as a treat.

4. Formula Milk: Brands like Petag 1 stage or Devobao NC3 can be fed until 6 months of age.

5. Vitamins: Devobao's intestinal formula is a musthave for homemade cat food.

6. Hair Care: Biotin is recommended for maintaining coat health.

7. Oral Care: Bole Dan Jia Ya powder can help prevent tartar buildup.

8. Skin Conditions: Treat skin issues with appropriate medication.

9. Scratching Post: A nontoxic scratching post is a must for your cat's claws.

10. Cat Furniture: Any nontoxic furniture will do.

11. Shampoo: Brands like Kristin Jensen, BIO, or Shiro are recommended, but bathing should be avoided until the cat is at least 5 months old.

12. FunctionSpecific Sprays: These can include disinfectant, deodorizer, and deterrent sprays. Choose based on your specific needs.

Medications and Nutritional Supplements

1. Antidiarrheal: Used for diarrhea and vomiting caused by indigestion.

2. Eye Drops: Chloramphenicol eye drops for bacterial or stressrelated eye infections.

3. Antibiotics: Amoxicillin is a versatile antibiotic for various conditions, including colds and allergies.

4. Eye Ointment: More effective than eye drops, especially for severe infections.

5. Fungal Infections: Ketoconazole or Terbinafine ointments for treating ringworm.

6. Lactulose: For constipation relief.

7. Erythromycin Ointment: Treats blackheads and greasy tails.

8. Multivitamins: Prevents ringworm and supplements vitamins.

9. Sugar Trehalose: Helps in weight gain, development of cheeks, and boosts immunity.

10. Biotin: Enhances coat and skin health, reduces shedding, and strengthens the body.

11. Lactoferrin: A wonder supplement that boosts immunity, prevents colds, and enhances resistance.

12. Iodophor: Useful for wound disinfection.

Remember, some of these medications can be purchased at a human pharmacy, while others and nutritional supplements can be found online.