Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
Few things are as exciting as bringing home a new pet. But, if you’re unprepared, it can also be a confusing and stressful experience. Let's look at some cat and dog essentials to have on hand before bringing home your new best friend.
See What's Covered
If you’re adopting a cat or dog from a shelter or buying one from a breeder, be sure to ask for a bag of their food to take home with you. Purchase a good, high-quality food for your pet, but do not immediately switch them to the brand you select.
Mix the food from the bag with the new food, gradually increasing the old food-to-new food ratio over the course of a week. This will help their digestive system acclimate to the new ingredients and avoid digestive issues during the “getting to know you” phase.1 Select sturdy food and water bowls that won’t scoot or topple over when your pet voraciously chows down after a good run or play session.
The right collar for your pet won’t be able to slip over their head. However, collars should fit loosely enough to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck and one finger between the collar and your cat’s neck.2 Always keep an ID tag on your pet’s collar with your pet’s name, your phone number, and other critical information.
You could also consider a harness, especially for a dog. If your animal tends to tug on the leash when going on walks, a harness is easier for you to control and more difficult for a pet to shimmy their way out of.
There are many types of leashes on the market, and the best one for your pet depends mainly on your pet’s size. A cat or smaller dog doesn’t need a thick leash, but a large dog likely needs something heavy-duty. Retractable leashes aren’t recommended because they can encourage your pet to pull and can get tangled up with other leashes, trees, or other animals and people.3
A litter box is one of the most important new cat essentials. For kittens, consider a small litter box low to the ground so your kitty can get in and out easily. As your cat grows, upgrade to a larger litter box with a higher profile to catch any litter your cat accidentally scoops out of the box while covering their mess.
Some cat owners opt for covered litter boxes because they better trap odors and are useful if you have a dog that thinks the litter box is a snack bar. However, some cats prefer open litter boxes, so consider buying a larger enclosed litter box and cleaning it often if you want to make it work for your kitty.4
Dogs in particular will gravitate toward a “den-like” space of their own. Providing a crate for your dog will give them a safe place to retreat to for naps (or during thunderstorms!), and crating your new pup will help during the housebreaking phase. Dogs are reluctant to eliminate in their “den” and will learn to control their urge to go until you take them outside. When housebreaking is complete, well-trained dogs are often safe to roam freely during the day.
Cats simply need a plastic carrier to be used for car rides and temporary confinement in the event of extreme weather or other situations that may be stressful for your kitty. Feed them meals and treats in their carrier so they get used to being inside of it.
Dogs and cats are likely to encounter minor illnesses and injuries during their lifetime with you, and it’s important to be prepared when they do occur. Put together a pet first aid kit so you’re prepared when an emergency happens.
Keep a variety of grooming tools on hand suitable for your pet. Dogs with short, flat coats will require a different kind of brush than long-haired dogs. Long-haired breeds of dogs and cats will need a mat comb and slicker brush to remove loose undercoats that can cause mats and hairballs. Additionally, nail clippers, toothbrush and toothpaste, and pet shampoo are all critical to have on hand.
A new pet in the home probably means more messes. Research pet-friendly cleaners with nontoxic ingredients to keep your animals safe. Enzymatic cleaners are good to have on hand, too, especially for puppies who aren’t yet house trained, because they eliminate odors from accidents.5 If your new pet is a shedder, a lint roller and a good vacuum cleaner are useful items to have as well.
Dogs and cats need stimulation, even when you’re away, so we recommend spoiling them with chew toys, stuffie toys, squeaky toys, beds, scratching posts, puzzles, jingle balls, and treats.
Many pet owners choose to get dog insurance or cat insurance for their new pet.
These pet parents may think pet insurance is worth the cost because it can cover costs of unexpected expenses, like illnesses and accidents. Plus, with a Preventive Care add-on, routine care, like yearly wellness visits and vaccinations, can also be covered.
New pet supplies and other expenses from welcoming a new furry friend into your life can add up. You might expect to spend as much as $5,300 per year on a dog and as much as $3,500 per year on a cat.6,7 Of course, pet ownership can come with unexpected costs as well. Just one emergency surgery can cost $5,000 or more for a dog and $3,000 or more for a cat.8
Your new pet will be a loyal and loving companion for many years. Starting out with the proper new pet supplies can ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for the whole family. One of the best things you can buy for your pet is a pet insurance policy through MetLife Pet.
Pepper, a dog from California, ate a roll of dog waste bags and needed surgery to remove it. The total cost of the exam and surgery was around $10,375, but because Pepper’s owners had purchased a pet insurance policy, MetLife Pet covered over $9,100 of the bill.9
Wanting a happy, healthy life for your pet means purchasing items they need and dealing with vet bills. MetLife Pet can help you cover costs of those vet bills. Get started today with a free quote.
