Cats are a common household pet in millions of places. And it’s easy to see why! Cats are lovely, independent animals that can make wonderful pets. They are also generally tidy creatures that take care of themselves, which means that any owner has less to worry about in terms of upkeep.
On the other hand, a feline friend is still like a child in many ways and needs to be taken care of properly to thrive. Can you handle that? Are you ready to embark on a love-hate, but more often than not, endearing, relationship? Get the answer here!
Cats can be fickle creatures. They can be moody, aloof, and have a mind of their own. In other words, being a cat owner is a bit like living with a miniature lion.
Are you prepared for that? No problem, we’re here to help! Here are some things to think about if you want to become a cat parent and spend time with them:
Cats are obligate carnivores, which implies that they need proteins derived from animals to thrive. So whether they are kittens or older cats, your responsibility is to look for cat foods that are high in quality protein, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. You should also check if the pet food is nutrient-dense and free from additives or fillers.
Along with high-quality cat food, serve your cat with a clean water bowl. Water keeps your cat hydrated and prevents constipation.
Many cats are indeed meticulous. They prefer a clean little box to feel comfortable when sitting and will avoid it if it’s not up to their cleanliness standards. As a cat owner, this means scooping it out daily and changing the litter completely at least once a week.
Failure to do this can cause cats to develop health issues, such as cystitis (bladder inflammation) or a urinary tract infection. Moreover, a messy litter box might stress your cat, resulting in behavioral problems.
Long-haired cats are especially susceptible to knots and tangles, which can result in skin irritation disorders. Regular grooming makes it easier to notice mats and break them before they do any pain. It also distributes the natural oils the skin produces, keeping the coat glossy and healthy-looking.
Getting rid of fur knots and tangles is a simple process. All you need is to brush them with a wide-toothed comb. Then, nip them with shears or a trimmer after the debris removal of the coat. But if you’re not confident, leave it to the professionals.
Cats thrive on interaction with their favorite humans. So when you take the time to bond with your cat, it will pay off in purrs, cuddles, and contentment.
Show your cat love and attention through playtime. Take time each day to sit down and stroke your cat's fur. Use a calm, melodious voice when interacting with them. Let them climb on you or sleep on your lap. Set up a scratching post if you have an indoor cat and provide them plenty of catnip toys. Outdoor cats can also benefit from a safe outdoor space where they can climb and run around.
Our feline friends are experts at masking their pain. So, when they do show signs that something is wrong, it’s crucial to pay attention and respond,
Changes in eating, bathroom habits, increased aggression, and lethargy or depression can all be signs of underlying health issues in cats. If you notice any shifts in their behavior, speak to a vet immediately. Initial screening and treatment are critical for them to have a long and healthy life.
A love for cats is a must for anyone planning to become a new cat owner. But if you think you might like to join the ranks of cat owners, love isn’t enough. New cat owners also need certain qualities to embrace the world of cat ownership fully.
What are these traits you need to possess? Take a look at these:
Cats are typically stubborn. They often take their time acclimating to new people and situations, which can be frustrating for those who are used to more docile pets.
Patience is an essential ingredient to being a good cat owner. Owners must be ready to cope with litter box training, cleaning up messes and cat fur, and dealing with a cat's sporadic moodiness. It might be tiring, but once you have earned their trust, you will have a companion for life who will never fail to improve your day.
Cats tend to become anxious in chaotic or loud surroundings. In this predicament, it takes a calm person to reassure their safety. Playing relaxing music, using calming essential oils, offering hiding places, and maintaining clean litter boxes are a few strategies to help your cat feel peaceful.
These steps can help them feel comfortable and decrease their stress levels. As a result, the cat will be able to do more things.
Cats need a lot of supplies–food, water, litter, and toys. Unfortunately, if you don't keep a log of these cat essentials, it's easy to lose track of them.
An organized person can monitor all supplies and ensure that their cat always has everything they need. Additionally, they can look up the shelf life of their cats' meals and make sure the food you’re feeding them is safe. Furthermore, an organized person will have no problem doing regular vet check-ups and vaccinations.
Before you bring home a furry friend, it’s important to understand that cats have a lifespan of 15 years or more. Most people don't know that that's a significant commitment!
A dedicated cat owner will provide their feline friend with a good home for the entirety of their life. That might mean keeping them until they pass away naturally or finding them a new home if your situation changes.
Keeping your cat healthy goes far beyond simply feeding them. You also need to develop a close friendship by playing with them.
A few minutes of chasing a toy can help them work their muscles and keep their minds sharp. Also, providing them with a safe and comfortable place to sleep is another way to show your love for them. Don’t forget, cats also enjoy a good chin scratch, and they’ll often purr in contentment when you give them a little rub.
Cats are special, fun, and carefree creatures, but it doesn’t mean that everyone is fit to be an owner. If you don’t think you don’t have the traits or can’t handle the responsibilities mentioned, here are some tips on what to do:
Just because you realize you’re unfit to be a cat owner doesn’t mean they have to suffer. Finding a new home for your kitty friend is the loveliest thing you can do for them.
As soon as you locate a new home for your cat, ensure it receives proper care. This means researching and finding a family or individual who is prepared to provide them with everything they need, including food, water, shelter, and love.
Animal shelters are also an excellent choice for keeping them safe and secure. There, they will get expert care from professional staff members who are capable of making them happy and healthy.
Most animal shelters require you to complete some paperwork and may charge a small surrender fee. However, this is a little fee to pay for the assurance of knowing that your cat is in experienced hands.
The search for a new feline companion can be a long and challenging process, but trust us, it's worth the wait. Your relationship with your new cat will be stronger for it.
For now, learn the necessary information about cat ownership, practice, and be patient while you wait. The purr-fect feline friend is out there for you. And when you find them sooner or later, it will become a life-changing experience.
Arriving at the realization you are an unfit cat owner can be tough to stomach. It could be that you work extended hours, are hardly ever home, travel frequently, and can’t take pets with you. No matter the reason, being an unfit cat owner means having to forgo wanting them in your life. While it may not seem like it now, other alternatives can help fill that feline-shaped hole in your life.
If you want a cat but are still in the process of becoming a good cat parent, Perfect Petzzz can help. We have a wide selection of lifelike furry animal babies perfect for cuddling and companionship. In contrast to living animals, which need care and attention, these replicas appear and act exactly like actual pets—minus the maintenance.
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