Lisa O
Whether you’re daydreaming about adopting a cuddly cat or already have a lively bunch of feline friends, it’s important to understand that caring for these whiskered companions isn’t always a walk in the park. Every cat comes with unique preferences, and it’s up to you to uncover what they love. Here are the things every cat owner should know!
Secure Your Home for Your New Cat
When your feline friend first comes home, she might be super shy. You can make her feel more comfortable by making your place cozy and friendly. If she seems nervous and hides away, don’t worry—it’s normal for cats. They need time to get used to new smells and sounds. So please give her a room or quiet spot where she can relax and put a comfy bed there for her to snuggle up in.
Schedule Regular Vet Visits
It’s important to find a good vet for your cat and book a checkup. Make sure his vaccines are current, too. Cats are sneaky about showing when sick, so regular checkups and blood tests can catch any issues early. Think about getting him a microchip as well. Keep the chip number and a picture of your cat on your phone just in case he wanders off. You’ll be glad you took these steps.
Introduce Cats and Other Pets Slowly
When you bring a new cat home, take it slow when introducing her to your other furry friends, like your dog. Start by keeping the new cat in a different room and feed your pets on each side of a closed door. Switch their blankets between rooms from time to time. Once they’re comfortable with the smells, you can move on to feeding them on opposite sides of a closed gate.
Keep Your Cat Cool in Hot Weather
Even though it’s spring, some places can be very hot. To keep your indoor cats cool, leave fans or air conditioning on during the day, even when you’re not home. If your cat goes outside, make sure there are shady areas in your yard, or install a pet door so it can escape the heat. On really hot days, you can cool them down by gently wiping them with a damp, cool washcloth.
Understand Your Cat’s Language
Like us, cats have their own way of “talking” and expressing themselves. Please pay close attention to their sounds and how their ears and tails move. And here’s a neat trick: When you’re happy with your cat, use a cheerful, high-pitched tone, and if you’re not so pleased, then go for a serious tone. This helps your feline friend understand what you want.
Beware of Harmful Substances
Many things can be harmful to cats, and knowing what they are can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy for longer. While some things like antifreeze or rat poison are well-known dangers, other items like ibuprofen, aspirin, glow sticks, and flowers like lilies can also be toxic to cats. If you think your cat has eaten any of these things, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away.
Maintain a Healthy Weight for Your Cat
Dry cat food has lots of carbs, which can cause cats to gain weight if they’re not super active, which can lead to health issues. Try looking into canned cat food or other foods that have more protein naturally. This way, you can ensure your pet gets the right amount of food.
Groom Your Cat Regularly
Keep your cat looking and feeling great with regular grooming. Use a wide-toothed metal comb and brush in the direction in which their fur grows naturally. Remember to trim their nails, too. Just spending fifteen minutes once or twice a week on grooming can prevent their fur from getting tangled, reduce hairballs, and let you check on their health. And it’s an excellent way to bond with your furry friend!
Ensure Your Cat is Identified
Even if your kitty prefers the great indoors, it’s still vital to have them wearing a collar with your ID and contact details. And guess what? Microchipping is a breeze, not to mention affordable, and offers your furry friend a permanent form of identification. Some people might think it’s unnecessary since indoor cats don’t wander, but here’s the scoop: accidents happen, even on quick vet trips. Microchipping ensures a swift reunion if the unexpected occurs.
Experiment with Litter and Boxes
It’s usually smart to have one litter box for each cat and toss in an extra one just in case! Cats can be picky about their litter territory, so ensure there’s enough room for your new cat. Experiment with different types of litter boxes, too. Some cats like soft litter, while long-haired ones might fancy crystal litter that doesn’t stick to their fur.
Pick High-Quality Cat Food
Cats love good food, and wet and dry food options are great. They come in lots of tasty flavors. Avoid human foods that could harm your cat, and only have safe plants in your home. Cats can be curious creatures, so make sure to store away any cleaning products or other dangerous items. Keeping your feline friend safe and healthy is a top priority!
Safeguard Food and Water Bowls
If you have dogs around, they might try to sneak into your cat’s food. One idea is to use a food bowl that sticks to a window, keeping it out of reach for your dog. Cats sometimes need to drink more water, so having water bowls in different spots around your home is a good idea. Consider using filtered bowls or a water fountain, as some cats like drinking from running water.
Create a Stimulating Indoor Environment
Even though cats are generally safer indoors, they can still get super bored. So make your home a fun place for your cat! Set up condos and cat trees for climbing adventures. Open the curtains and add window perches so your cat has some entertainment watching the world outside – it’s like their own cat TV! Don’t forget to stock up on toys, including some with catnip, to keep your kitty entertained.
Provide Cat Scratchers
Scratching is super important for cats! It helps them shed the old layers of their claws, stretch their bodies, and mark their territory. It’s a way for them to show they’re happy or relieve stress. If you don’t give them scratchers, they might turn to your carpet or furniture. It’s way better to have too many scratchers than not enough. Place them in different rooms where your cat spends time—they’ll be pleased!
Protect Your Cat from Sun Exposure
Did you know cats can get skin cancer, too? That’s why limiting their time in the sun is super important, especially during the middle of the day. If your cat spends time outdoors – make sure they have plenty of shaded spots to relax. You can also protect their sensitive areas like ears and noses by rubbing on some natural and non-toxic sunscreen.
Cater to Your Cat’s Climbing Instincts
Since cats are natural climbers, supporting their instincts with cat trees is a great idea. These give them the perfect perch with a top-notch view and exercise as they climb up. Another great option is placing cat shelves in high spots around your home – spots that only cats would reach. This way, you’re giving your furry friend the chance to enjoy their environment just as they like it!
Engage in Interactive Playtime
Spending just fifteen minutes a day playing interactively with your cat is a fantastic way to keep them active and satisfy their natural hunting instinct. You can try out toys like laser toys (avoid shining it in their eyes!), catnip balls, feathers, or even a game of hide-and-seek with empty boxes. Both you and your cat will enjoy the fun of playtime together!
Encourage Natural Hunting Behavior
Since cats are natural predators, they love the whole stalking, hunting, and pouncing routine regarding their food. You can really “feed” into that instinct by switching up their feeding bowls, even if it’s just a short distance. Try alternating between high and low spots during feedings – the extra jumping and climbing will give them a good workout and keep them active.
Ensure Access to Water
Just like people, cats need to drink plenty of water to stay in tip-top shape. Make sure to place at least two water bowls in different parts of your home. This encourages your furry friend to stay hydrated, which lowers the risk of certain illnesses and helps their kidneys flush out toxins. As we said, some cats really dig running water, so you should consider getting a cat fountain.
Establish Indoor Boundaries
To keep everyone safe and happy, make sure your cat stays away from fragile items like vases or lamps. You can create small cat-free spaces by restricting their access, and your feline friend will be content to perch in a cozy spot away from valuable items (or maybe even avoid trash cans and counters!). It’s a win-win for a harmonious living space!
Keep a First Aid Kit for Emergencies
Just as we keep basic meds and bandages at home, it’s super important to have a first aid kit ready for our feline friends, too, in case of emergencies. A simple kit should have your vet’s and animal poison control contact info, along with some basic medical supplies. Being prepared can make a big difference in helping your cat during unwanted situations!
Entertain Your Cat with TV Programs
Do you know Cats love TV too? Your feline friends will really enjoy watching programs or DVDs featuring birds, fish, and other critters they like to stalk. According to experts, there are even apps designed for cats. With these apps, your feline friend can try to “catch” virtual mice or fish when an iPad is on the floor. It’s a fun way to keep them engaged!
Stimulate Hunting Behavior Indoors
Indoor cats are naturally curious, so keeping them entertained is super important to prevent boredom. Besides playtime, you can stimulate their instincts by hiding favorite treats around the house or using special toys or puzzles that challenge them mentally to earn treats. These activities aren’t just for house cats – they’re also used in zoos for big cats like tigers and lions to keep them mentally and physically active.
Safely Walk Your Cat on a Leash
Did you know that, like dogs, some cats can be trained to walk on a leash? It’s a fantastic way for both owners and cats to enjoy some exercise and bonding time together, especially in quieter neighborhoods. But it’s important to remember that walking a cat on a leash comes with some risks. While some cats absolutely love it, others might not be fans, so always follow your cat’s lead.
Install an Electronic Pet Door for Outdoor Adventures
If your cats love hanging out both indoors and in the yard, an electronic pet door is a game-changer. You get to set the rules and decide when your furry friend can safely venture outside to play. But before installing a pet door, double-check that your entire house is cat-proof, ensuring your clever cat won’t find a way to escape from your yard. Safety first for your adventurous feline friend!
Manage Hairball Concerns
Dealing with hairballs is a challenge for all cats. While long-haired cats might face this issue more often than their short-haired pals, it’s common for all cat breeds. When they groom themselves, cats tend to swallow loose hair, forming a hairball in their stomach. Usually, they’ll cough it up occasionally, but you can prevent hairballs by regularly de-shedding or brushing your cat.
Prioritize Dental Care
Just like us, cats require dental care, too. It’s super important to schedule yearly dental checkups for your furry friend. If you’re adopting an adult or senior cat, it’s especially crucial to have their teeth checked first. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to some dental infections, which might make your cat avoid eating. If you notice your cat eating less or not at all – don’t hesitate to visit a nearby veterinarian right away.
Have a Cat-Safe Home Setup
Before bringing home a kitten, it’s super essential to cat-proof your house. But what exactly does “cat-proof” mean? It involves securing electrical cords and removing fragile items from open shelves. If your kitten enjoys playing with charger cables and cords, try using an interactive rope toy to divert their attention whenever they start messing with the cords. This way, you can keep your furry friend safe and your house intact!
Maintain a Clean Litter Box
Cats are very particular about cleanliness; if their litter boxes need to be cleaner, they might do their business on the floor or rug nearby. Think of unclean litter boxes like unflushed toilets – not ideal! Please don’t make your cat use a dirty litter box, as it can lead to urinary tract infections and behavior problems. Keeping their space clean and comfortable ensures a happy and healthy kitty!
Train Your Cat for a Happy Home
Training your cats is very important to help them understand boundaries. This includes setting regular feeding and play times and teaching them which areas are off-limits. Otherwise, you might end up with sleepless nights if your cat keeps waking you up. Plus, they might get into risky places like the kitchen counters and stovetops. Establishing boundaries keeps both you and your cat safe and happy!