Crucial Kitty Comforts...

by Susan Nelson Hopkins

In keeping with a line from the old Dragnet TV series, "Just the facts, ma'am. Just the facts."... let's get right to the point.

Here are the basic items every cat owner needs for his kitty's comfort:

Cat Carrier...

This will be a constant in her life. In fact, you should use one to bring her home for the first time.

She'll feel much safer when you take her to the vet's two or three times a year. There are also trips to the groomer, to the kennels, moving to another house or apartment, vacations... and if she is docile enough, all those "companion" visits to hospitals and nursing homes.

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Also, if your kitty should suffer a panic attack... well, they're about as shred proof as you can get!

Most vets and owners find carriers with openings at the top are much easier to retrieve nervous cats from.

(Learn how all of these items help new cat owners bond with their newest family member... see Bond with Your New Cat in 5 Easy, Pampering Steps.)

Cat litter box...

There is no right or wrong decision here. Try a litter box style that works for you, and then see if it works for her.

• A hooded or an enclosed box is often preferred by shy cats. Another good feature is the hood prevents litter from being scattered on the floor. A possible drawback is that odor will be contained, so it needs to be changed more often... or your cat may not use it.
• An open box is satisfactory with most cats, but it definitely requires more frequent cleaning... at least a daily cleaning.
• The automatic, motorized boxes are wonderfully sanitary and odor free... IF your cat isn't spooked by the action. Owners often report that their cat will cover her waste, and then watch the rake remove it. It started with curiosity, and then became part of its routine.

Cat Litter...

This, too, is a matter of preference. If your cat is new to your household, stay with the litter she is used to. If you want to change brands or types, make sure you and your new buddy have established a routine, and she's comfortable with her new home.

Then introduce the new litter into the old brand a little at a time. This gives you time to observe how she reacts to it. Though changing litter is usually fine with most cats, there are some cats who can't tolerate certain types... because of allergies or just plain stubbornness. (She is a cat after all!)

Bedding for your cat...

There are two schools of thought here... yours and your cat's.

Some cats will thoroughly enjoy their own private bed, especially if it's a heated bed. All cat lovers have watched their feline friends curl up in a puddle of sunlight, only to get up and follow it as it moves across the room. Imagine their enthusiasm when they discover their very own permanent puddle of warmth!

To all cats, beds are in the eyes of the beholder... so the back of a sofa, your favorite decorator pillow, the windowsill, your bed, a dirty pile of laundry, a freshly folded stack of laundry, even your lap are equally delicious.

Cat scratching posts and toys...

Scratching posts are hugely beneficial - they re-direct her natural scratching instinct away from furniture.

The most effective post is long enough so your cat can stretch as she claws it. Select posts that are covered in thick carpeting or even coiled with thick rope. These surfaces provide the right amount of resistance to stimulate scratching so her claws (and your furniture) will stay in good condition.

If you have enough room, and can afford it, choose a combination scratching post and activity center. They are  typically quite tall, with tunnels, and platforms, and perches.

Hang a bouncy toy from a perch and your little buddy can entertain herself all day long. Hide catnip-marinated toys in one of the activity tree tunnels, and in her bed, and in a pile of dirty clothes. She'll be one happy little kitty!

Some of the most effective toys are actually free...

• a ball of squished up aluminum foil she can pick up and carry around
• an old slipper to hide the foil ball in
• paper grocery bags
• crumbled pieces of paper

Cat grooming supplies...

A comfortable grooming brush is essential. Daily brushings eliminate most of her shedding, gives you an opportunity to watch for fleas... and she relishes the sensation.  It's a terrific bonding experience for you both.

It doesn't matter if you have a long-hair or a short-hair cat. Daily grooming is essential. Even hairless breeds will benefit from a gentle massage with a baby-hair brush.

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