12 Essential Tips for the First-Time Cat Owner

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Cats are a great company and cuddly companions, but before you decide on this pet, consider whether you can give the cat enough time, attention and care that it deserves. The following tips will help you make the right decision, and some of them are simply good to know for all first-time cat owners. Visit here to find out more about the average lifespan of a cat.

Think carefully

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Cats are quite independent by nature, but they are not quite able to take care of themselves. Before you buy or adopt a kitten, realistically consider your pace and lifestyle. Do you really have enough time for such an active pet? If you are often away from the house, choose a breed that does not require much care, brushing and attention, but you should keep in mind that every cat needs tenderness and play during the day so as not to show destructive behavior out of pure boredom. Highly intelligent cats need physical and mental activity in order to stay happy and healthy in their new home.

Consider buying two at the same time

What if your life circumstances change after adopting or buying a kitten? Do you work overtime, and still want to have a pet at the end of the day? The solution may be to get another cat, so that the two of them can hang out while you are not there.

Consider allergies

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Before you even take a cat, our advice is to check if you or a member of your family has a hair allergy. Testing for allergic reactions alone takes about ten minutes, and the results are ready immediately. There are breeds of cats that have low levels of allergens on their hair and skin, so they are suitable for owners with allergies.

Vaccinations and spay

As soon as the cat arrives at your home, take it to the vet and have regular vaccinations. Also, ask at what age it is ideal to spay a cat. The best time is before the animals reach full maturity. Experts claim that the age of 6 months is the right time, but many studies have shown that healthy kittens can be sterilized much earlier. The recovery of young kittens is fast, and no harmful consequences have been noticed.

Some veterinarians, however, believe that the kitten should be bigger and stronger before it is subjected to the complete anesthesia that is necessary for the operation. sterilization performed. This procedure is crucial for the health of your cat if you do not plan to mate her. The cat will be calm, will not try to escape and will not spray and urinate on the furniture to mark its territory.

Provide space

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Provide a cat corner just for her. Buy a crib or make a place for a cat where it will sleep and rest comfortably. It can be a bigger box because they like to crawl to places where they feel safe. An important item is a toilet. The cat will learn very quickly where to defecate. The toilet can be a larger shallow container or box with sand or dust that needs to be regularly maintained and cleaned. Make sure you choose well-balanced, quality food depending on the age of the kitten. If you are not sure what is best, consult a veterinarian, rather than a worker at the pet store.

Buy toys

Cats love to play and are very active. Buy a few toys, twine or feathers. You can also make fun of toys yourself with a little imagination and creativity. In order for your pet to be healthy and happy, it must be active both physically and mentally.

Buy flea collar

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As soon as your cat comes out of the house, it is very likely that it will come in contact with fleas and ticks. For that reason, it is very important to have a flea collar that specializes in cats. Make no mistake and think it’s the same for dogs and cats. Most dog products are toxic to cats because their liver is different. To make no mistake, check this for best cats flea collar ultimate buying guide.

Save your furniture

If you don’t want your furniture to be scratched and destroyed, get a climber. In the better five stores, you will find various models of climbers and activity tree, but of course you can do it yourself and save a lot of money.

Training and play

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Dedicate enough time to the play with it, but also training. You can use her favorite granules or other treats as a reward.

Hygiene routine

Get your cat used to the hygiene routine from the first days. Make bathing, claw shortening and brushing fun, not stressful.

Long term commitment

Hopefully, you have a healthy cat with you for the next 15 to 20 years. But many cats, sooner or later, can become acutely or chronically ill. Mild infections or diarrhea go away after a few days, but they can be quite distressing. Chronic diseases like diabetes not only require you to address the issue of food and insulin but also good time management. Your cat may need to take pills daily. It is best to practice this (without using real medications) from a young age. With age some cats become demented, so they need support to go up to places or if visits to the vet become more frequent.

They are hunting animals

Do you suddenly hear a groan and a shriek in the middle of the night in the bedroom? Your cat may have brought you an unwanted visitor! If your cat is outdoors you should know that from time to time he likes to take his prey home. Put it as a gift in the hallway or take it to the bedroom to play with the still alive mouse. Baby birds or aquarium fish can also end up in the clutches of the skilled hunter.

Conclusion:

Pay attention to all these things you have been advised and all you have to do is enjoy with your new furry friend.