Moving a new cat into your home can be incredibly fun. Are you a little freaked out about taking care of him properly? Don’t worry! Cats can bring you so much happiness in life. They depend on you for everything, still. This guide will offer you just the essentials. With proper kitty care, you are guaranteed happy, healthy, long life for your feline friend.
Section I: Setting up Your House for A New Cat
Hiding Places and Safe Havens
Cats just feel secure. When frightened, they need a place to hide. Provide places where they will feel safe. A cardboard box is an excellent choice. A cat cave or quiet corner with a cozy blanket are just as good. Your kitty will surely appreciate it!
- Put out cardboard boxes
- Make a cat cave
- Make a cozy corner with a blanket
Essential Supplies Checklist
Pick up the essentials before your cat gets there. Food and water bowls are important. You also need a litter box, scratching post, and toys. A friend of mine once forgot the scratching post; her sofa paid dearly for it!
Cat-Proofing Parts of Your Home
Cat-proof areas in your home are a must. Cats love to jump around. Therefore, think about vertical space. How about putting up cat shelves for them to explore? A cat tree is also a cute idea!
Section 2: Nutrition and Feeding Your Feline
How to Read Cat Food Labels
Cat food labels can sometimes get confusing. The ingredients must be printed on the packaging. Choose foods that have meat as the major ingredient. A specific meat source like chicken or a fish name is even better. Avoid any food with fillers.
Wet and Dry Food: The Good and the Bad
Dry food is easy to store. Wet food helps your cat stay hydrated. Each has its good and bad. A lot of experts say a combination is the way to go. Weigh both food choices when deciding what to feed your cat.
Section 3: Litter Box Essentials and Hygiene
Choosing the Right Litter Box and Litter
All sorts of litter boxes exist: with lids, sans lids. And for litter, there’s clay, clumping, and crystal. Most cats prefer unscented clumping litter, but you may want to test your cat to find out what he really prefers.
Litter Box Location and Upkeep
Choose a quiet place for litter boxes. Your cat should also have easy access to them. Scoop daily. Change the litter every week. Never put a litter box near the food.
Addressing Litter Box Problems
Sometimes it happens that cats just refuse to use the litter box. There could be a medical reason behind that refusal. A dirty litter box or stress might also cause this kind of problem. Bring your kitty to the vet immediately, if your pet refuses to use the litter box.
Section 4: Play, Enrichment, and Exercise
Importance of Play
Playing with a cat is very important to bond with it. It gets some exercise and keeps the brain sharp.
Types of Cat Toys and Games
There is a lot of entertainment for your cat in these toys. Using feather wands gets the excitement up. For hours cats chase laser pointers. The puzzle feeder keeps them thinking. One owner of a cat will finish off laser pointer games with a toy that lets the cat “catch” something.
Making an Enriched Environment
Make your home fun for your cat. Add a perch so that it can look out the window. Put in something for climbing, a cat tree. Try interactive feeders to challenge them. Change up the toys so that your cat does not get bored.
Section 5: Grooming and Health
Preventative Care: Vaccinations and Parasite Control
Shots are an important line of defense against diseases for your cat. Another very important thing to consider is flea, tick, and worm control. Your vet provides the information regarding the shots or medications that your cat may need. The guidelines provided by the vet should be followed to the letter.
Conclusion
Taking care of a cat is really a big deal, and yet very rewarding. Give your cat safe surroundings and good food. Clean litter boxes and time for play also exclude health care considerations. Health care for the cat is also extremely important. Keep learning to be the best cat owner.
