If you want to see something adorable and delightful after returning home after a hectic day, a cat is a wonderful option. Cats are playful, much less attention-seeking than dogs and need much less maintenance too. Thus if you are a very busy person, have to work hard and are an animal lover, you should bring home a cat. However, once you bring one home, you’ll have to take some responsibilities as a cat parent. Here are some tips that will help you keep your cat happy and healthy, and make your relationship pleasurable.
There’s no doubt that kittens are amazing and you can be easily tempted to bring one home. However, you should think whether you have the capability to take responsibility of a cat child. Also as a young cat, he will be much energetic and your energy should match his.
On the other hand, an adult cat will be much quieter and calmer. However, she may have behavioral problems originated in her early life.
Whether you bring home a kitten or an adult cat, you have to take good care of their health, see to it that they get proper food and don’t suffer from cat dehydration which they are prone to, take them regularly to the vet and give them their scheduled shots.
Besides this, even before bringing the cat home, if you have decided to bring a particular cat, you should ask about his medical history and check if he needs any long-term care. Then you should consider whether you’d afford his medical care.
Although the cat is overall healthy, you should consider her breed. Purebred cats often have their genetic problems. E.g. flat-faced cats such as Scottish folds and Manx usually develop breathing issues.
Purebred cats have higher chances to develop genetic medical issues than non-pedigreed cats.
Although cats don’t need constant attention and don’t even need a walk like dogs, don’t be relaxed with a thought that you can easily ignore them and they will be on their own. They still need some attention and a lot of play. You will also have to clean the litter box and give them structured meals.
Remember that indoor cats usually live up to 13 to 17 years and thus you will be making a long-term commitment to your new feline family member.
It’s anytime advisable to adopt a cat from an animal shelter because she will be health examined, fully vaccinated and neutered or spayed. A free cat may cost you those things in the long run if you plan to take good care of your cat and be an ideal pet parent.
You may not find it a lot of problematic to make your cat use the litter box, because most cats prefer it to rest of the house due to the texture of the litter. However, you will need to go through some steps.
Scratching is a normal behavior for cats and by no means can you stop your cat from doing it. A better way is to provide her a scratching post or two so that she won’t scratch your furniture, walls, or other surfaces. This way you’ll give her something for her normal behavior.
Cats are full of curiosity and will just try to explore spaces you don’t want them to. In this situation, a spray of water, scat mats or a strict “No” can stop them from doing so. You will just have to have patience to train your cat.
A solution here is to use a “rattle can”. This is a soda can to be filled with some pebbles and then covered. When your cat is trying to approach a spot like an electric outlet or other dangerous area, gently toss the can on the ground and that will frighten the cat. Never throw it on your cat otherwise she might be hurt.
Using these tips can help you become a good cat parent and you can enjoy having a healthy, happy and delightful feline child.