Author: Allen Brown
From as early as the dawn of civilization, cats have been humans’ favorite pets. Cats are the perfect pets because of their playful nature, loving behavior, and their cute faces. Not only are they adorable, but they also aid in keeping mice and rats away. Some people want a cat to sit on their laps and cuddle, while they content others with their independent feline behavior of spending most of its time outside. All acts do not possess the same characteristics. A cat’s behavior depends on its inherent personality and experiences. Felines thrive best when you take care of them properly. There are several tips on how you can achieve this.
1. Health
A cat, just like any member of the family, needs to be kept healthy as much as possible. They rely on their owners to regularly take them to a veterinarian for check-ups, brush their coats and check them for disease symptoms. A cat’s health contributes to its daily behavior.
- Get the cat spayed or neutered. It will help in curbing unwanted behaviors such as roaming and the tendency to spray urine. It also eases unwanted pregnancies and protects against diseases. It is beneficial in the long term.
- Schedule regular vet visits. It is important to schedule yearly medical examinations. It would help if you also consider having the cat vaccinated against diseases such as cat flu and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Older cats may need to see a veterinarian at least twice yearly. Also, kittens require more attention
- Brush its coat and check it for skin conditions. Brushing helps to reduce shedding in the house and prevents the cat from forming hairballs. Look out for parasites like fleas, lumps, and other skin problems. If you notice something suspicious, consult your veterinarian immediately.
2. Diet
Seek advice from your veterinarian and determine the proper type of diet for your cat. It would be best if you put factors such as health and age into consideration. As emphasized on this website, you must purchase high-quality brand-name cat food and only pick the best dry food for your cat.
- The type of food to feed the cat. There is a wide range of cat food available in the market for you to choose from. Dry food is efficiently and effortlessly stored. Look for food containing large amounts of animal proteins.
- Follow the suggested feeding guide. Cats prefer eating small meals during the day’s course.
- Do not overfeed the cat. Obesity is one of the biggest issues facing cats. Obese cats are susceptible to diabetes, arthritis, and heart diseases. Make sure the cat gets plenty of exercises too.
3. Housetraining
A house-trained cat can be a friendly pet. You will be more comfortable knowing that your cat understands where the bathroom is. House-trained cats are less likely to contract diseases compared to those that are not trained. Encourage the cat to use a litter box by placing it in a quiet spot where the cat will not be bothered. Clean the litter box regularly and refresh or replace it at least once a week. Make sure that a litter box is a comfortable place. Don’t startle it when using the box, or it may develop a disturbing feeling with the box and avoid it altogether.
Provide the cat with a scratching post that is at least two and a half feet high. Cats need to scratch to sharpen their claws. As they scratch, you pull the old outer nail sheath off, and they expose new sharper claws underneath by providing the post. You prevent the cat from scratching up woodwork or furniture.
Also, consider using pheromone products for felines. They usually come as diffusers that you plug into electrical outlets and fill the air with artificial pheromones. It has proven to calm anxious or stressed cats and help resolve scratching and litter box issues.
4. Get a suitable cat
It may seem like a trivial matter, but it is not. You must pick a cat that is most suitable for your needs. You should decide if you need a full-grown cat or a kitten. Kittens may be adorable, but they require a lot more attention compared to adult cats. An adult cat may also possess behavioral issues from its past. Ask about its medical history to assess if it requires long-term care. Non-pedigreed cats are less likely to have genetic disorders compared to purebred cats.
Consider the time you have for the cat and calculate whether you can afford one. You are wrong to think that a cat, unlike a dog, is not a commitment. The lifespan of a cat is usually 12-17 years. It means that owning a cat is a long-term relationship. Cats, especially purebreds, can cost up to several hundred dollars and require a unique type of care. Make sure that you can foot the bills adequately.
Owning a cat is both fulfilling and therapeutic. It is the responsibility of the cat’s owner to ensure that their pet is under good care. A happy cat is a happy home.