As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to outfit your cat and his environment with the products he will need in order to be happy, healthy, safe, and comfortable. Preparing your home for a cat is easy, and will make both you and your pet content with each other.

The basic amenities that will need to be purchased are:

• Litter box and litter. The type of litter ox that you choose is up to you. There are various sizes, shapes and colors to choose from, just e sure that it is the right size for your particular cat. If you have a small kitten, make sure the sides are no too high for him to get in and out. You can purchase a larger box as the cat grows. The litter you buy should not have any strong scents. The type that clumps when it becomes wet is the easiest to use, as you can just scoop out the urine and feces instead of emptying the entire box. A litter scoop should also be purchased.
• Cat or kitten food. There are a variety of commercial cat foods on the market today. Provided your cat has no special dietary needs, you should purchase a formula specifically designed for kittens, if that is what you have, or a regular cat chow. Canned food is also a good idea, as it supplements the indoor cat with the meat products she would normally get in the wild. The canned food can be fed once per day, with the dry food given as the staple of her diet. Provide fresh water at all times.
• Bowls for food and water. Most pet stores sell pet dishes that are designed for cats. Small bowls of any kind are sufficient, but keep in mind that some cats do better with flat dishes instead. The ruing of their chins against the sides of bowls can e irritating to some cats, causing a type of feline acne under the jowls.
• Scratching post. A good scratching post that is the height of the cat at full stretch is a good idea. This will help prevent the cat from scratching furniture or other unwanted areas of your home. Do not buy a carpeted post, as this will confuse your cat in regards to what carpeting is appropriate for her to scratch.
• Grooming implements. Cats are very clean animals who groom themselves many times throughout the day. The loosened hair that they ingest can become too much for their digestive systems. Buying a brush for your cat will aid in eliminating excess loose hairs, thereby reducing the number of hairballs that a cat will have. Some rubber brushes have special teeth that dig down and remove loose dander and dead skin cells. Metal, fine-toothed combs are designed to extract fleas from the coat. Rush your cat daily.
• Nail clippers. Buy nail clippers that are designed for cats. Weekly trimming of the claws will help deter your cat from scratching furniture or carpeting, as well as minimize the damage.
• Kitty bed. Most cats will sleep wherever they please. If you an unwilling to invite your cat into your own bed, providing the cat with a bed of his own may keep them from invading yours. Something that is soft and cozy will work. Placing something that has your scent on it will also encourage your cat to use it. Do not force them to sleep in it, let them find it on their own, or they will reject it.
• Toys. Providing pet toys for your cat is up to you. Some will not utilize them, while others will shred them, possibly ingesting some materials, which can be dangerous. E sure to shoes toys that are designed specifically for cats.

Cat ownership can be as easy as it is rewarding if you follow these simple guidelines regarding necessary cat products.