Ready to welcome your Short-Haired Cats home? Here’s your essential starter kit to get you going:
Soft bristle brush for easy grooming.
Cat water fountain for fresh hydration.
High-quality cat food for healthy meals.
Litter boxes (one per cat, plus one extra) for a clean space. You’ve got this!
Starter Kit Essentials
Food and Water Bowls
You want your cat to eat and drink from safe, sturdy bowls. The best choices are glass, stainless steel, or ceramic. These materials keep germs away and last a long time. Plastic bowls can scratch and hold bacteria, so it’s better to avoid them.
Material |
Safety Features |
Durability Features |
|---|---|---|
Glass |
Non-porous, non-toxic, dishwasher-safe |
Stable, but check for lead in imported glass |
Stainless Steel |
Safe, impermeable, easy to sterilize |
Very strong, may scratch but stays safe |
Ceramic |
Safe if labeled lead-free, watch for toxic glazes |
Use with caution; some ceramics may not be food-safe |
Plastic |
Can harbor germs, not recommended |
Scratches easily, less durable |
Clean your cat’s bowls every day with hot water and pet-safe soap. Once a week, disinfect with diluted bleach or vinegar. Deep clean once a month to keep everything fresh. Regular cleaning helps your cat stay healthy and happy.
Cat Food
Choosing the right food keeps your cat strong and energetic. Look for brands like Hill’s and Royal Canin. These brands offer food that supports digestion and helps control calories. You can pick dry, wet, or a mix, depending on your cat’s taste and health needs. Always check the label for real meat as the first ingredient. If you’re unsure, ask your vet for advice.
Litter Box
A good litter box makes life easier for you and your cat. Covered litter boxes help control odor, especially if you have more than one cat. Self-cleaning litter boxes save you time and keep things fresh.
Litter Box Type |
Benefits for Short-Haired Cats |
|---|---|
Covered Litter Box |
Great for odor control, ideal for multi-cat homes |
Self-Cleaning Litter Box |
Less work for you, better odor management |
Pick a litter box that fits your cat’s size. Your cat should have enough space to turn around and dig comfortably. The right size helps prevent litter box problems and keeps your home clean.
Cat Bed
Your cat loves a cozy spot to nap. Choose a bed made from soft, washable, and non-toxic materials. Beds with high sides let your cat curl up, while flat beds work well for older cats. Heated beds are a nice touch for short-haired cats, especially in colder months. An anti-slip base keeps the bed in place.
Soft, washable, and safe materials
Snug but roomy enough for stretching
Raised edges or flat design for comfort
Heated options for extra warmth
Non-skid bottom for safety
Scratching Post
Scratching posts keep your cat’s claws healthy and save your furniture. Sisal rope posts last the longest and most cats love them. Cardboard scratchers work too, but they wear out faster. Carpeted posts are affordable, but may not hold up in busy homes.
Scratching Post Type |
Material |
Durability Notes |
|---|---|---|
Premium Cardboard Scratcher |
Cardboard, Paper |
More durable than basic cardboard, less than sisal |
Carpeted Scratcher |
Faux Fur |
Good price, may wear out quickly |
Sisal Scratching Post |
Sisal Rope |
Long-lasting, preferred by most cats |
Toys
Toys keep your cat active and entertained. Try catnip mice, feather wands, and puzzle toys. Rotate toys to keep things interesting. Playtime helps your cat burn energy and stay fit.
Catnip toys for excitement
Feather wands for chasing
Puzzle toys for mental stimulation
Carrier
A sturdy carrier is a must for trips to the vet or travel. Your cat should be able to stand, turn, and lie down inside. Hard-sided carriers protect better, while soft-sided ones are lighter. Look for good ventilation, secure latches, and easy cleaning. Top-loading carriers make it easier to get your cat inside.
Key Factor |
Description |
|---|---|
Size |
Cat can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably |
Material & Durability |
Hard-sided for protection, soft-sided for light travel |
Ventilation |
Good airflow and visibility reduce stress |
Entry/Exit Points |
Top-loading is easier for nervous cats |
Security |
Strong zippers and escape-proof latches |
Comfort |
Padding and soft walls for comfort |
Portability |
Handles, straps, or wheels for easy transport |
Cleaning |
Easy to clean after accidents |
Popular choices include Sleepypod Air In-Cabin, Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe, and Petsfit Expandable Travel Carrier.
ID Tags
ID tags help your cat get home if lost. Make sure the tag has your cat’s name, your phone number, and your address if there’s space. You can add microchip info and any health needs.
Cat’s name for easy identification
Your phone number (and a backup)
Address if space allows
Microchip details if possible
Health conditions if needed
Cleaning Supplies
Keep your home fresh and safe for your cat. Use pet-safe cleaning products without harsh chemicals or strong scents. Vacuum often to manage hair and dander. Lint rollers and squeegees help clean furniture and carpets. Brushes and mitts reduce shedding and keep your cat’s coat neat.
Pet-safe cleaning products
Vacuum regularly
Use lint rollers and squeegees for quick clean-ups
Grooming tools like brushes and mitts
Tip: Always check with your vet before using new cleaning products or tools around your cat.
Don’t forget to include grooming tools in your starter kit. Brushes, combs, and nail clippers designed for short-haired cats make grooming easy. A comprehensive kit like Catit Senses 2.0 or Furbliss covers all your needs.
Grooming Tools for Short-Haired Cats
Brushes and Combs
When you care for short-haired cats, you want the best cat brushes for their sleek coats. Their fur lies close to the body and rarely tangles, so you don’t need heavy-duty tools. The Kong Zoom Groom and Bailey Brush work wonders for removing loose hair. You can use a bristle brush to spread natural oils and make your cat’s coat shine. The Aspen Pet Furbuster Dog Pin/Bristle Brush is one of the best cat brushes for short-haired cats. After brushing, grab a flea comb to catch any leftover fur. Try brushing your cat once or twice a week to keep shedding under control.
Nail Clippers
You need to trim your cat’s nails regularly. Choose clippers designed for cats, not dogs. Look for safety guards and comfortable grips. Nail trimming helps prevent scratches and keeps your cat happy. If you’re new to cat grooming, ask your vet to show you the right way.
Grooming Sprays
Grooming sprays can help freshen up your cat’s coat. Always check the ingredients. Some sprays contain essential oils, synthetic fragrances, alcohol, or chemical preservatives that can harm your cat.
Ingredient Type |
Health Risks |
|---|---|
Essential Oils |
Toxicity, especially tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus |
Synthetic Fragrances |
Allergic reactions, hormone disruption |
Alcohol |
Skin irritation, dryness |
Chemical Preservatives |
Skin irritation, other health issues |
Pick sprays made for cats and avoid harsh chemicals.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Short-haired cats don’t need frequent baths, but sometimes you need to clean them. Use shampoos like Arm & Hammer 2-in-1 De-odor & Dander Cat Shampoo or CatSpace Oatmeal Cat Shampoo. These products keep your cat’s coat soft and healthy. Frisco Shed Control Shampoo for Cats is great for reducing shedding. Always rinse well and dry your cat completely.
Tip: Use a deshedding tool like the Andis Pet Deshedding Tool once a month. Follow up with the best cat brushes to remove any loose fur. This routine keeps your cat’s coat smooth and reduces hairballs.
Usage Guide
Setting Up Essentials
Getting your home ready for a new cat feels exciting. Start by using feline pheromones or calming sprays to help your cat relax. Avoid strong scents or harsh cleaning products. Try to keep things familiar by matching your cat’s old routine, including food and litter. Introduce your cat to other pets slowly. Give your cat a quiet space where they can hide or rest if they feel nervous.
Use calming sprays before your cat arrives.
Keep the environment neutral and scent-free.
Stick to your cat’s previous food and litter.
Introduce pets gradually.
Set up a safe, quiet area for your cat.
Grooming Routine for Short-Haired Cats
Short-haired cats need regular grooming to stay healthy. Begin with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose fur. Pick a brush made for short-haired cats. Brush with gentle strokes, following the direction of hair growth. Check for skin problems while you groom. Give treats and praise to make grooming a happy experience.
Brush with a soft-bristle brush or mitt.
Use long, gentle strokes.
Watch for skin issues.
Reward your cat with treats.
Bathing Tips
You don’t need to bathe short-haired cats often. Every few months is enough unless your cat gets dirty. Gather supplies like cat shampoo, a towel, and a non-slip mat. Brush your cat before the bath. Use lukewarm water and introduce your cat slowly. Rinse well and dry with a towel.
Bathe every few months.
Prepare supplies and brush first.
Use lukewarm water.
Rinse and dry your cat.
Litter Box Setup
Choose a quiet spot for the litter box, away from food and beds. Pick a box that fits your cat and is easy to clean. Scoop waste daily and change litter every week. Use 1-2 inches of litter so your cat can dig. If you have more than one cat, add an extra box.
Place the box in a quiet area.
Scoop daily, clean weekly.
Use enough litter for digging.
Play and Enrichment
Play keeps your cat happy and healthy. Try toys that mimic hunting, food puzzles, and climbing structures. Give your cat chances to explore and interact with you. Mix up toys and activities to keep things fresh.
Type of Enrichment |
Description |
|---|---|
Environmental |
Climbing and exploring spaces |
Food |
Puzzles and treat games |
Sensory |
Toys with sounds and textures |
Social |
Playtime with you or other pets |
Toy |
Catnip mice, feather wands, and more |
Tip: Enrichment helps prevent boredom and stress for indoor cats.
Care Tips
Daily Feeding
You want your cat to stay healthy and full of energy. Feed your cat based on age and weight. Kittens need more food than adults. Seniors eat less but need good nutrition. Check the table below for easy feeding guidelines.
Cat Type |
Daily Caloric Intake |
Dry Food (grams/cups) |
Wet Food (grams/ounces) |
Mix of both (dry & wet food) |
Feeding frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kitten (Up to 6 months) |
2x to 3x Adult Intake |
1/4 to 1/3 cup (50-75g) |
2.5 to 3.5 ounces (75-100g) |
1/8 cup dry + 2 oz wet food |
3-4 meals / day |
Adult (1 to 7 years) |
200-300 calories |
1/3 cup (40-60g) |
3.5 ounces (100g) |
1/4 cup dry + 2.5 oz wet food |
2 meals / day |
Senior (7 years and older) |
180-220 calories |
1/4 cup (30-40g) |
3 ounces (85g) |
1/8 cup dry + 2 oz wet food |
2-3 smaller meals / day |
Tip: Always give fresh water. Clean bowls daily to keep your cat happy.
Weekly Grooming
Short-haired cats need regular grooming to keep their coats shiny. Brush your cat once or twice a week. Use a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt. This helps remove loose hair and keeps your cat comfortable.
Litter Maintenance
Scoop the litter box every day. Change the litter once a week. Wash the box with pet-safe soap. Place the box in a quiet spot. Your cat likes privacy and a clean space.
Exercise
Play with your cat every day. Use feather wands, balls, or puzzle toys. Try short play sessions in the morning and evening. Active cats stay healthy and avoid boredom.
Health Monitoring
Watch your cat for changes in eating, sleeping, or behavior. Check eyes, ears, and coat for problems. Schedule regular vet visits. Early care keeps your cat feeling great.
Troubleshooting
Shedding
Short-haired cats can still shed a lot. You might notice more hair on your clothes or furniture. Shedding can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, your cat just needs better food or more grooming. Other times, stress or health problems cause extra hair loss. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what’s going on:
Cause |
What You Can Do |
|---|---|
Feed your cat a balanced, vet-recommended diet. |
|
Stress |
Make your cat’s space calm and safe. |
Age |
Brush your cat more often as they get older. |
Parasites |
Use vet-approved parasite treatments all year. |
Allergies |
Ask your vet about allergy care. |
Skin infections |
Visit your vet for treatment. |
Disease |
Follow your vet’s advice for any illness. |
Behavioral issues |
Give your cat toys and a secure home to lower anxiety. |
Tip: Brush your cat once or twice a week to keep shedding under control.
Litter Issues
If your cat stops using the litter box, don’t worry. Cats can be picky about their bathroom. Make sure the box is clean and in a quiet spot. Try a different type of litter if your cat seems unhappy. Scoop daily and wash the box every week. If your cat still has problems, talk to your vet. Sometimes, health issues cause litter box trouble.
Scratching Problems
Cats love to scratch. If your cat claws the couch, give them a scratching post. Place the post near where your cat likes to scratch. Try different materials like sisal or cardboard. Praise your cat when they use the post. Cover furniture with double-sided tape to stop unwanted scratching.
Stress
Cats feel stress from changes at home, loud noises, or new pets. You can help your cat by keeping routines steady. Give your cat a quiet place to hide. Use calming sprays or pheromone diffusers. Play with your cat every day to help them relax. If your cat seems very stressed, ask your vet for advice.
You now have everything you need to care for your new cat. Regular grooming with a slicker brush and nail clippers keeps your pet healthy. Remember to schedule vet check-ups and use sturdy bowls and two litter boxes. Enjoy every moment with your furry friend and keep learning about cat care!
FAQ
How often should you brush a short-haired cat?
You should brush your cat once or twice a week. This keeps their coat shiny and helps reduce shedding. Use a soft-bristle brush for best results.
What type of litter works best for short-haired cats?
Most short-haired cats do well with clumping clay litter. You can also try unscented, low-dust options. Your cat may prefer one type over another.
Do short-haired cats need regular baths?
You don’t need to bathe your cat often. Only bathe them if they get dirty or smelly. Most cats clean themselves well.
