Many of us prefer cats and are eager to bring a new one home. However, before owning a cat, most people don’t know how to take care of them or what benefits come with cat ownership. Typically, cats have a calm and disciplined demeanour, and by following some guidelines, you too can become a loving cat owner. Therefore, below is a list of 7 mentioned things you should do even before bringing a cat home. Remember, you are entering into a relationship that is expected to last many years and requires you to be prepared for its physical, mental, and emotional needs, which are essential.
Ensure that everyone in your family is prepared to take responsibility for a cat
We often face uncertainty when planning to own a cat, as permission must be obtained from the family, and most of the time, whether or not to give permission for cat ownership depends entirely on the entire family. Many times, we bring a cat home without the family’s permission or even against their wishes, which can lead to various problems within the family. Sometimes, some families are not interested in bearing the complete expenses of cat ownership, so they do not express full consent for cat ownership.
So make sure that you are prepared to obtain the opinions of your family members before bringing a cat home and keeping in touch with them is very important.
Choosing a good cat match for you
We often find ourselves confused when choosing a cat. Usually, not all cats have the same temperament. Different cats have their own behaviours, and if the question arises to select a cat, then it should be done very carefully. When choosing a cat, the most common mistake we make is choosing a beautiful or attractive cat. Sometimes, beautiful and attractive cats can have a fierce temperament, which can show signs of aggression, annoyance, etc. Additionally, not choosing the right cat can disappoint everyone in your family. Be careful not to get emotionally overwhelmed when choosing a cat. Check for a cat that shows interest in mingling with you or making friends, which will be compatible with your lifestyle. Also, a good way to choose the right cat is to conduct a test with a specific cat, examine its natural behavior, natural behaviour, and test its relationship with you and your family to choose a cat with a good calm and friendly nature for you and your family.
Provisions Necessary for Your Cat
When we decide to raise a cat, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary supplies, which are usually essential for their needs. Therefore, the following are mentioned about the items you may need for your cat :
Litter Box
Generally, it is essential to have an uncovered litter box for cats for their elimination needs. Additionally, along with providing a litter box, you need a litter scoop and a base to avoid litter scattering, ensuring that your cat doesn’t eliminate waste elsewhere.
Separate Bowls
Separate bowls for food and water are necessary for cats. Keep in mind that food and water bowls should neither be too small nor too large. Aim for medium-sized bowls. Additionally, you can start with the food types that cats are usually accustomed to, unless otherwise advised by your veterinarian.
Scratching Post
Cats generally enjoy scratching, so it’s crucial to have a scratching post for them. When cats scratch, they take care of their claws, keeping them healthy. Also, scratching helps cats relieve stress. Therefore, it’s essential to have a scratching post for your new friend.
Toys for Cat
Alongside deciding to raise cats, there are separate toys available that you can collect. When cats play with toys, they engage in physical exercise and stay fit and active, promoting their health and helping them maintain a good weight. Additionally, playing with toys helps cats alleviate boredom and develop a good relationship with you, enabling your cat to recognize you better and potentially become more attracted to you. Therefore, playing with toys is a fun and beneficial activity that can help cats’ physical and mental well-being.
Brush
After collecting a brush, grooming your cat is necessary, especially for those with long-haired cats. Regular grooming prevents the formation of mats or tangles in your cat’s fur. Additionally, regular grooming is important for even short-haired cats. Grooming helps remove dirt, debris, or loose hair from your cat’s fur. So, if you’re considering raising a cat, a brush is definitely necessary. Before purchasing a brush, make sure to consider the quality of the brush and then attempt to purchase it.
Pet carrier boxÂ
To properly care for a cat, a pet carrier box is essential. Typically, carriers are primarily used for transporting cats or bringing them to the veterinarian. When selecting a pet carrier box for your cat, remember that it shouldn’t be excessively large, as it could be difficult for you to carry. Conversely, if it’s too small, it may cause discomfort for the cat. Aim for a medium-sized pet carrier box and ensure it is of high quality.
Microchip
A microchip can be very useful for your cat. Microchips typically work as a GPS tracker, which can collect information about the location of humans or pets. If you are interested in raising a cat, this device can be very helpful for you. For example, if your cat gets lost somewhere, you can easily find its current location through this microchip and quickly locate your beloved cat. Although you can choose to acquire this device later, since the complete responsibility for a cat lies with you, it is advisable to get a microchip for your cat.
Cat Proof House
Keeping cats happy and safe comes with responsibility, and preparing a safe and secure house for them is crucial. If you own a cat or are considering cat ownership, it’s essential to know how to create a safe and healthy environment for them. By following the steps below, you can be able to create a safe and healthy house for them:
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– Cats love to roam in high places, and having unobstructed windows and balconies increases the risk. Ensure that your windows have secure screens or guards.
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– Electrical cords or computer cords are often attractive for cats to play with. Make sure to use cord containment devices to keep cords secure.
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– Keep small items such as earplugs, pins, or rubber bands out of reach or remove them as they can be swallowed or cause harm if chewed.
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– Avoid keeping leftover medication accessible, and dispose of medications as soon as possible. If ingested, these can cause digestive problems for cats.
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– Safely store toxic substances, as many household cleaners and some foods can be toxic to cats. Therefore, these items should be removed.
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– Use a separate trash can with a lid for disposing of cat waste to keep your cat away from the litter and waste. However, make sure the lid is secure.
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Veterinary Visit
If you’re interested in cat nutrition, it’s crucial to choose a good veterinarian before considering essential nutrition. Arrange referrals and personally visit various clinics to ensure you explore different amenities. Then, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. They will examine your cat, dependent on factors like its origin and age, to conduct specific tests for your cat’s necessities. They’ll also arrange for vaccinations.
Creating a Separate Room for Cats
If you’re keen on cat nutrition or eager to introduce a new cat to your family, it’s vital to create a separate, secure room for them. Cats typically prefer solitude and might feel discomfort in a new environment, causing disquiet. Alongside establishing a separate room for cats, ensure you stock it with essential items such as separate food and water bowls, cat toys, a kitty tunnel, a scratching post, etc. Additionally, try to create secluded spots for cats since most cats feel more comfortable in hidden areas. Unexpected disturbances within your family might cause disruptions with the cat’s well-being, so providing a separate room for the cat can assist in providing them shelter.
Learn about cat
Before bringing a new cat into the family, it’s important to know what cats generally prefer and what will make you a better caretaker. Understanding how to care for them and guiding them properly is crucial. Since cats are sensitive creatures, never punish them for mistakes, as it may make them more aggressive and distant. Instead, show them as much love as possible and try to understand their needs. A wrong decision could harm the bond between you and your cat, so always strive to be a good and skilled guardian for your beloved pet, and remember to love your furry friend unconditionally.
