Pets

CAT

Tortilla

He is 1 year old, and the most affectionate cat in the world.
He lives in PALS, an animal shelter in Grinnell, Iowa, and been there for a few months as of 5/4/2025.

Cats are known to be curious, independent, and have a relatively quiet personality, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t full of affection. The way they show their affection is simply different from what we expect.

Learning to respect a cat’s boundaries and emotions can help you earn their trust, and when they choose to let you in, you can form a really special bond with them.

Fun info about cats

They walk like giraffes and camels.

They can “smell” with their mouth.

They can’t taste sweetness.

Why You Should Get a Cat

Cats are the perfect blend of independence and affection. They can keep themselves entertained for hours, are quiet compared to other pets, don’t require daily walks, groom themselves to keep clean, and instinctually potty train themselves, making them relatively low-maintenance pets. Plus, cats are perfectly content staying indoors and spend more than half of their day sleeping.

How to Read Cat Body Language?

Cat Supplies on a Budget

A pair of pink and aqua-colored wide, shallow cat bowls, filled with cat food and water

Bowls

Cats often get whisker fatigue, meaning their whiskers get overstimulated by too much contact. To prevent this, buy wide, shallow food and water bowls.
$6
A green cat tree with three levels and scratching posts and two cats in it

Cat Tree

A cat tree with a scratching post helps keep cats’ claws healthy, gives cats exercise, and serve as a cozy place to perch or rest on.
$36
A blue bag of chicken recipe dry cat food by the brand Iams (an Amazon product)

Food

Healthy dry food is more budget-friendly, especially when bought in bulk, like this bag of 22 lbs of food. However, since cats usually don’t drink enough water, you may want to consider buying some wet food too.
$39
Small, black and yellow cat nail clippers

Nail Clippers

Routine trimming of cats’ nails helps prevent overgrowth, sharp nails, and possible damage done to your furniture.
$6
A colorful, hawaii-green leash and harness on an orange cat

Leash

For cats who enjoy the outdoors, you need a leash to take them on walks.
$12
A purple cat brush

Hair Brush

Cats, especially those with long hair, have to be brushed frequently to prevent matting, hairballs, and extra shedding.
$14
A gray litter box with a scooper and a white lid that has a circular opening where an orange cat is peeking its head out of

Litter Box

You should provide your cat with a dedicated “bathroom” space, especially if your cat if you have an indoor cat.
$19
A 40 lbs bag of bag litter by the brand Dr. Elsey's

Cat Litter

Buying litter in bulk is a smart way to save money. This 40 lbs of cat litter only costs about $20!
$20
A brown, round cat bed made out of faux fur with a ragdoll cat laying in it

Bed

You can use your old clothes or pillows to make a comfortable and soft bed for you cat!
$0
A wand feather cat toy with a variety of colorful feather attachments

Toys

This toy is greatly recommended by cat owners (including Maral)! Just be careful to supervise them when playing.
$9
A gray and black medium-sized carrier for dogs and cats (an Amazon product)

Carrier

A carrier or crate is essential for traveling outside with your cat to vet appointments or to public spaces.
$21
A red package containing a cat toothbrush and malt-flavored toothpaste from the brand Petrodex

Cat Toothbrush and Toothpaste

You must take care of your cat’s oral hygiene by brushing their teeth daily! After all, it is one of the ways to keep them physically healthy.
$11
6 colorful cat collars with bells attached

Collar

A collar is optional, especially if you have an indoor cat, but in case your cat escapes one day, having your cat wear a collar with an ID tag attached increases the chances of them being returned to you.
$5
Two stainless steel dog/cat ID tags with a name, a cell phone number, and an address engraved into them (an Amazon product)

ID Tag

For identification purposes, an ID tag gives people the necessary information to contact and return your cat to you.
$8

Looking to Get a Cat?

Why not adopt a cat at PALS? PALS is an animal shelter in Grinnell, Iowa. They have loving kittens and cats ready to be taken into a home and to become a part of your family.

Adopt Now