Getting Ready for Cat Ownership

Before bringing a cat into your life, it’s important to get your home ready, gather all the essentials, think about the long-term commitment, and do some research to find the perfect cat that fits your lifestyle. This way, both you and your new furry friend will have a smooth start together.

Check If You’re Ready

1. Look at Your Lifestyle:

- Think about your daily routine and how much time you can realistically spend with a cat. Cats are pretty independent, but they still need daily meals, playtime, and attention. If you travel a lot, you’ll want to plan for a pet sitter.

2. Budget for Costs:

- Owning a cat comes with expenses. Upfront costs include adoption fees, spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and supplies. Then there are ongoing costs like food, litter, toys, and vet visits. Don’t forget to prepare for surprises like emergency vet bills by considering pet insurance or setting aside some savings.

3. Choose Between a Kitten or an Adult Cat:

- Kittens are full of energy and need lots of socialising, training, and supervision.
- Adult cats usually have set personalities, tend to be calmer, and often need less hands-on care than kittens.

Make Your Home Cat-Friendly

Your home should be safe and fun for your new cat.

1. Remove Hazards:

- Put away anything that could be dangerous, like:
    - Toxic plants such as lilies, philodendrons, and daffodils.
    - Loose strings, ribbons, and rubber bands that can cause serious health problems if swallowed.
    - Medications and cleaning products—keep these locked away in high cupboards.

2. Secure Risky Spots:

- Tape down or cover electrical cords.
- Use childproof locks on cabinets.
- Keep washing machines, dryers, and toilet lids closed.
- Store fragile or valuable items out of reach.

3. Create Safe Zones:

- Cats love having a quiet, private spot to relax, especially when they’re new. Set up a separate room with their bed, litter box, and food.

4. Offer Vertical Spaces:

- Cats enjoy climbing and watching from high places. Consider a tall cat tree or clear a sturdy shelf for them to perch on.

Gather the Essentials

1. Food and Water:

- Get food and water bowls made of stainless steel or ceramic to avoid chin acne. A food puzzle or water fountain can also keep your cat mentally engaged.

2. Litter and Cleanup:

- Litter Box and Litter: Choose a large, open-top litter box. It’s best to have one box per cat plus one extra, placed in quiet, separate spots.
- Cleaning Supplies: You’ll need a scoop and a good stain and odour remover.

3. Scratching and Play:

- Scratching Posts: Provide a tall, sturdy post or pad to help your cat scratch naturally and save your furniture.

- Toys: Have a mix of toys, including interactive wand toys and ones for solo play.

4. Grooming:

- A brush or comb is key for regular grooming, especially for long-haired cats. You might also want nail clippers and dental care products.

5. Travel:

- A secure cat carrier is a must for trips to the vet or any travel.

Getting Through the First Few Weeks

1. Plan Introductions:

- If you have other pets, look up how to introduce them gradually and safely to your new cat.

2. Schedule a Vet Visit:

- Before or shortly after bringing your cat home, book a checkup. The vet will check for parasites, update vaccinations, and make sure your cat is healthy.

3. Help Your Cat Settle In:

- Your cat might feel stressed or shy at first. Give them space and time to adjust without forcing interaction. Playing with interactive toys can help build trust.

4. Stick to Their Routine:

- Find out what food and litter your cat is used to and keep using those at first to help them feel comfortable.

The "3 cat rule" most likely refers to the 3-3-3 rule concerning a new cat's adjustment period, rather than a specific guideline for Bengal cats. This rule indicates that it generally takes approximately 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to adapt to routines, and 3 months to feel fully at home in a new environment. Due to the wild heritage of Bengal cats, they are more prone to stress from changes, making patience essential when acclimating them to a new home.

Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule for Bengal Cats

• 3 Days to Decompress: A new cat may hide, exhibit fear, and show reluctance to eat or drink. It is important to provide a quiet, secure space and allow the cat to approach you at its own pace.
• 3 Weeks to Adjust: The cat will begin exploring its new surroundings and learning the household routine. Establishing consistent feeding and playtimes will help the cat feel comfortable and secure.
• 3 Months to Feel at Home: By this stage, the cat should feel safe, have developed a genuine bond with you, and display its full personality.

Tips for Bengal Cats and the 3-3-3 Rule

• Patience is Key: Bengal cats are sensitive to change and territorial; therefore, patience is crucial. They may not behave typically during the initial months.
• Create a Safe Space: Designate a "kitty room" or quiet area equipped with a comfortable bed, food, water, and a litter box where your new cat can retreat and feel secure.
• Routine is Crucial: Maintaining a predictable daily schedule with set meal and playtimes helps your cat feel safe and reassured.
• Scent Swapping: Before introductions, exchange bedding or toys between your new cat and existing pets to familiarise them with each other’s scent.
• Gradual Introductions: After the cat has settled in the safe room, slowly introduce it to the rest of the home and other pets, carefully monitoring for any signs of stress or conflict.