Deciding to get a pet is a big responsibility and as with any other animal you want to take care of, cats can be a lot of hard work. If you are preparing to welcome one into your home, let’s take a look at some of the basics of cat care.

You should buy everything your cat will need before bringing the cat home. To give you an idea of what to buy, you should consider:

• Food and water bowls
• Cat food
• Litter and litter box
• Bed
• Scratching post
• Grooming supplies
• Toys

Giving your cat the right food will help them to live their best lives. You can make sure your new feline friend gets the right nutrition by carefully reading the ingredients of their food and staying clear of preservatives and fillers. Instead, buy foods that are grain free and mainly protein based such as turkey, beef or chicken.

There are a few different types of litter boxes for cats and you may need to try a few out on your cat before finding one they take to. You also need to buy a natural, non-toxic litter for the tray.

Try to avoid the temptation of allowing your new cat to sleep on your bed from day one as it may lead to an unbreakable habit. Get your cat their own bed, such as this hand-woven cat house.

>> See Made Terra hand woven pet house

As annoying as the sound may be, it is completely normal for a cat to want to scratch and it is essential you let them do so. Invest in a seagrass scratching post or mat and train your feline to scratch that instead of your new sofa or favourite armchair.

>> See Made Terra 100% hand woven pet mats

The amount of grooming required will vary depending on your kitty’s coat. Long haired cats of course need more grooming than short haired ones and some will even need a professional groomer. For at home grooming, research which brushes are best for your cat depending on their hair needs.

Cats need exercise and you can encourage your cat to exercise by playing with it. Make sure you have options when it comes to their toys and spend time learning which toys engage your cat the most.

With the basics of cat care to hand, you are now ready to bring home your new addition to the family. Once your feline is home, the two of you can start working on that owner-cat relationship and building an unbreakable bond.