How To Be A Good Cat Owner?
If you bring a cat into your life, you have to be careful about it. Here are a few things that you have to pay attention to know about how to be a cat owner.
Things You Should Do Before Bringing Your Cat Home
Find The Perfect Vet For Your Cat
When we’re talking about your feline friend, you need to select the proper veterinarian.You need to select a well-trusted health care for your cat. Because it is an important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy throughout their life.
You can search for a conveniently located veterinary clinic where an expert staff specializes in feline care.
Use Microchipped or Vaccinated
As a responsible pet owner, you should already have your pet microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. A microchip is simply a small device injected under the skin of your cat with a unique identification number in it. If your cat gets lost, the microchip helps bring her back. Shelters and vets have scanners to read it and contact you. Also, vaccines prevent your cat from contagious and potentially fatal feline diseases such as rabies, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can be a real lifesaver, providing support when they least expect it to pay an unexpected vet bill. In particular, cats might need to see the vet more frequently as youngsters or oldsters, so insuring them is good. Think about how claims might raise costs and if dental care is included.
All insurance companies have different terms, conditions, and exclusions. So it is important to do your insurance to make sure your cat gets the coverage.
Things to do after bringing a cat home
Ensure Cat-Friendly Place
Cats are territorial animals who do best in places where they feel safe, secure and have enrichment. Cats need simple things like scratching posts, cozy beds, hiding spots, tall places to climb, and toys to play with.
Besides, you can place window perches for bird feeders near windows so he can satisfy his curiosity about the outside world by watching birds. Also make sure your home is safe from harmful objects such as toxic plants, open window screens, loose cords and more.
Provide High-Quality Food
Good nutrition is the foundation of your cat's good health. So when you feed your cats, it is very important to select high-quality cat food. Because it will meet their nutritional requirements and allow them to live happier, longer lives.
Note: Ensure your cat food is quality-certified for your cat's life stage, whether it is a kitten, adult or senior cat. Look at things like protein, quality of the ingredients, moisture, and if there are necessary nutrients like taurine, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.
Play with Your Cat
Playing with cats is a crucial part of its overall health and mental state. Spending time playing with your cat responds to your cat's natural hunting instinct. It gives them the exercise they need and provides them with mental stimulation. It is also key to strengthening the bond between you and your feline companion.
You can switch up the type of toys you use, like feather wands, laser pointers, interactive puzzles or catnip-filled toys to keep things interesting for your cat. You want multiple, short play sessions throughout the day to help keep your cat live a healthy, well-adjusted, indoor lifestyle.
Signs Of Sickness
A clean litter box is not about keeping your house fresh, but it helps you a lot about the health of your cat. While you scoop the litter box each day, take a moment to spy on your cat's appearance of waste. If you find color changes, consistency, smell, or frequency of urine, it can be signs of urinary tract infections, digestive issues, or dehydration.
Besides, cats are just too good at hiding that they feel sick or in pain. As a cat owner, it's important to watch your cat closely. Notice any small changes in how he acts, his daily habits, or how much he eats.
Some of these signs of illness include lethargy, decreased or loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive licking or grooming, hiding, fast and difficult breathing and other usual signs.
You must keep an eye on your cat's litter box to identify potential health problems and take your feline friend to the vet in time if needed.
Tips: Many conditions can be improved significantly with early detection and intervention in your cat.
First-Time Cat Owner Tips
It can feel a bit much for new cat owners like you. But here are some tips you must know for cat-parenting.
- Find a Cat Companion that fits your style. The same cat breeds or personalities may suit your lifestyle better than others.
- Set up your cat to be able to live confidently in an environment that is safe.
- You can fix a regular time for feeding, grooming, and playtime.
- Create consistency and provide a sense of security.
- You must read about what cats need to be healthy, including how to look after them, groom them, how to keep them happy, etc.
- Get cat advice from owners, vets, and trusted sources!
Final Words
Cats are more at risk when they are very young or old. But you should be careful all the time because surprises can happen anytime.
Be ready with the first time cat owner checklist like Food, or Water Bowls, food, toys, bed, litter box, scratching posts and more. You must have insurance for your cat. Each insurance company has different rules and may leave out some treatments.
When you compare prices, you'll know how much they help with your vet bills. You have a goal to keep your cat happy and healthy, making sure they get the care they need. You have to treat them like family, with love and care.
