Pets are never as easy to handle as they seem at first. You gain many new responsibilities when you adopt a cat and it’s even harder if you don’t know what they are. This article covers those basic responsibilities and few other tips that will help your new life with your new cat more enjoyable.
An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.
If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.
Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.
Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.
Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.
Give serious thought to spaying or neutering your cat. Your vet can give you the pros and cons of both, but if you plan to keep your cat for a long period of time you should consider this operation. Cat overpopulation is a real problem, and you can do your part.
There’s always a chance that you cat can slip outside your home and become lost. This can be prevented with a breakaway collar. The collar includes an ID, featuring your name, phone number, and address. If the cat is found, anyone can easily contact you and return the cat to you thanks to the information on the collar.
When you are washing a cat litter box, it is a good idea to use basic soap and water. You may think that it would be more sanitary to use a harsh cleaner like bleach or ammonia, but all that will do is create a smell that the cat will find offensive.
If you have a kitten, a very important part of raising him is to get him socialized. This means making sure he is comfortable in many situations. These include: handling by humans, grooming and nail care, vet visits, and other social situations. The time to do this is between ten and twelve weeks of age.
Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. Corn and other such protein-free fillers are things you want to stay well away from. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.
If you want to buy a second cat, prepare for some time where the cats will be familiarizing themselves with each other. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. After the initial period though, they should start to settle and begin to get along like old friends.
Ensure that your new cat is spayed or neutered. This is important even if your cat will not be outdoors or around cats of the opposite gender. Studies show that spayed cats are less vulnerable to uterine, mammary, and ovarian cancer. Neutering your male cat decreases his risk of developing prostate cancer. Another benefit of neutering is that your cat will not feel compelled to mark his territory by spraying.
Your kittens don’t want dirty mouths either, so take a toothbrush and clean those gums everyday before breakfast. Without proper brushing, cats can catch diseases, infections, and suffer serious side effects. A few minutes daily keeps these teeth healthy, strong, and sparkling. You should ask a veterinarian how to properly brush your cat’s teeth.
Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you must make some changes, it would be a good idea to do them gradually.
As you can clearly see, there is a lot of work to be done all of the time. This can be overwhelming for some, but for others it is the chance of a lifetime. By using these tips, you can raise your new feline in a happy, healthy home where it is loved dearly.
