First time cat owner? Cat ownership is an experience unlike any other. There’s something about the felines that always seem to bring joy to a person’s life. They can be one of the most loyal friends you have, and they can also help keep your home safe from unwanted critters.
But no matter how much it may seem like a perfect match for you, cat care can be overwhelming for new cat owners. That’s why I created this beginner’s guide to cat care: tips and guides for a first time cat owner.
Whether you’re just starting out with your new kitty or if you’ve been around cats for years, reading this article will help ease your worries and give you what you need to know about being a responsible cat owner in no time.
Table of Contents
First Time Cat Owner? What to look for when buying a cat
When purchasing a cat, you need to make sure that it’s what you’re looking for. There are certain things to look out for when buying your new cat, such as health. Make sure the new cat has been vaccinated and tested for FIV and FeLV before bringing it home.
It’s also important to check the age of the animal before adopting it. If you pick up a young kitten, you may need to adjust your expectations on how much time you’ll spend with them because they will become permanent members of your family soon enough.
It’s also important to be aware of where your new cat comes from. You should know if its parents were healthy and happy in their lives so that it can be passed onto its offspring as well.
This decision is something that many people skip over, but it can have long-term effects on the cats health later down the line if the parents weren’t happy when they lived through their lives.
First Time Cat Owner? Cat’s Needs And Care
A cat’s needs and care can be hard to figure out. They are unlike any other animal or pet with their own unique personality and quirks. One thing that’s for sure is that you will become invested in your new cat very quickly.
You’ll want to make sure they have everything they need to live a happy life, so it’s important that you understand what this entails.
- You’ll need to provide food and water: Whether you’re at home or elsewhere, ensure that your kitty has food, water, litter and a litter box. Cats should also be provided with fresh hay every day as well as toys, scratching posts and resting spots.
- Cats require regular grooming: Cats should be groomed regularly to keep them clean and comfortable. Brushing is not only good for their skin but helps distribute oils throughout the coat as well making them smell nice!
- Cats need access to the outdoors: All cats need some time outside of the house where they can roam around and find their own food or hunt rodents in your yard. If you don’t allow them outside often enough or let them roam too much, this could lead to health issues in the form of obesity or parasites.
Behavior, Diet, And Health
The first thing to know about your new cat is that they are a wild animal. Although they will likely be domesticated, they still need to be able to hunt and catch their prey. This means that you will have to provide them with the right type of food, and make sure that it has high quality ingredients.
Cats also need hydration, so make sure you give them fresh water on a consistent basis and sprinkle them with a litter box. You should also keep an eye out for any changes in behaviour or appetite.
If anything looks off, take your cat into the vet as soon as possible. At the vet’s office, they can perform blood tests for certain health concerns like diabetes and FIV/FeLV (feline immunodeficiency virus/feline leukaemia virus) and assess your pet’s overall health accordingly.
How To Handle The Litter Box
One of the most important things you will have to learn how to handle is your litter box. Cat’s are very particular about where they want to do their business and if you’re not careful, your cat may stop using it. This can lead to a number of health issues for your cat, so it’s important to be sure that your litter box is both clean and somewhere that the kitty feels comfortable.
When you first get a new cat, there are several steps you will need to take before using the litter box for the first time. The first step is to remove all of the old litter from the box by scooping out with a small, clean plastic bag and then throwing it away in the trash. Next, fill up the fresh litter into the bottom of the box with enough so that when you scoop some out it falls right back into place.
You should also make sure that there is at least a half inch between the top of the litter and the rim of your box so that your cat doesn’t get his head stuck in them when trying to dig in.
After filling up and making sure everything is ready, take some time out and introduce yourself to your new feline friend. This will help them gain trust in their new home and make them feel more comfortable around you as well as other people who come over later on down the road.
Is Your Cat Litter-Box Trained?
A litter box is one of the most important things you will need when it comes to keeping your cat healthy and happy. If your cats aren’t trained, they can develop some serious issues with their litter and spraying around the house.
Even if you’ve made sure to clean up their messes, your home will quickly become unsanitary for everyone. And that’s not only smelly and uncomfortable, but it also poses a potential health risk to humans who come in contact with the feline waste.
Finding A Reputable Veterinarian
It’s important to stay on top of your cat’s health. One of the first things you should do is find a reputable veterinarian. VetStreet offers a directory of professionals who are certified and experienced in caring for cats and other animals.
You can also ask friends and family members who they would recommend, or check out online reviews to see what other people have had to say about their experiences with the professional.
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