Must-have items to buy before your feline comes home

If you've made the decision to adopt a cat, you may notice that your home isn't quite ready to accommodate a feline anytime soon. While you may have picked up the basics like a litter box and a food bowl, there are a wealth of animal wellness-related products that can help ease your cat's transition and provide many years of happiness in your abode. Here are a few cat products to consider before you take a trip to a New York animal shelter.

1. Scratching posts. Cats have an instinct to scratch things, so if you don't want your feline to turn your furniture into a shredded mess, you'll need to provide a way to release pent-up energy. Scratching posts are a wonderful option, but you'll have to find the right material for your cat's tastes. For instance, some scratching posts are made with rope-like sisal, while others are made with carpet. You could also go for the best of both worlds by investing in a cat tree, which will nurture your cat's desire to be in an elevated position and will offer plenty of places to scratch to his or hers heart's content.

2. Bedding. Felines can sleep in the most awkward of places, so if you don't want your furry companion to lie around on top of a bookshelf or your cabinets, investing in a pet bed is a great option. Typically, the best place to put these beds are in areas that don't experience a lot of foot traffic, so your cat can sleep undisturbed throughout the day. Additionally, you should try to place it in an area that receives a good amount of direct sunlight. This will encourage your cat to get used to the new bed and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine.

3. Brushes. Whether you have a long- or short-haired feline, hairballs are a huge problem and are caused by stray hairs that are ingested during the grooming process. Make a commitment to brush your cat every day to help remove some of this excess fur and reduce the frequency of hairballs in your home. This is also a wonderful bonding experience between you and your new pet, which can help speed the transition into your home.