Cats are a popular pet for family life. One of the main reasons is because cats are relatively self-sufficient after you’ve got the basics covered. But, just like dogs, they need love and attention, plus a variety of health and training elements to live a happy and healthy long life.
If you are considering getting a cat, here are some handy tips for bringing them home for the first time.
Understand that your cat will socialize differently
Most cats love attention and interacting with people. However, it is important to note that not all of them will. If you are bringing home a kitten, it might be easier to bring them up to love cuddles and rubs, but if you are bringing home an older cat, be warned they might not be as affectionate as you hope. The best advice to remember is that always let them come to you. Never force cuddles and attention on them.
They also love exploring outside areas and socializing outside the home. If they become bored and stressed, it may lead to destructive behaviors like scratching furniture. To help your cat socialize, provide mental stimulation when they are home alone. Toys such as scratching posts can help. This can occur more often with indoor cats, so provide plenty of toys and detractions at home to avoid any issues.
Prep your home
You will want to prepare your home for your new arrival. Think about installing a cat flap to allow them access to the outside when they want it. There is a range of automatic cat flaps controlled by a device on the collar to avoid unwanted cats entering your home. Make a feeding and watering station, and provide them with a comfortable place to sleep. However, be prepared for them to use anything but.
Register with a vet
Cats have a variety of health needs, so signing them up to a vet is essential. Vets such as easyvet.com provide a wide range of services, including annual health checks, vaccinations, and long-term treatment plans. Clinics also offer emergency appointments in urgent situations. When they are registered, you will want to take advantage of two services:
Neuter your cat
Cats are known to roam around the local area, and they’ll come into contact with other felines. Therefore, you should neuter your cat in its early years to ensure that they don’t turn aggressive toward you and others. Neutering also prevents health issues. Plus, it reduces the likelihood of them wandering too far to find a mate.
Get your cat microchipped
Sometimes, cats wander a little too far and potentially get lost. By microchipping them, anyone that finds them can take your pet to a vet to be scanned.
Provide healthy food and treats
All pets require good nutrition and plenty of fresh water, and cats are no exception. Research foods with high nutritional content and limit sugar and additives. By feeding them healthy food and treats, they’ll benefit from a shinier coat, fewer health problems, and an optimum weight for their breed. Once you find the best food for your cat, try to stick to it as changing regularly can cause an upset stomach.
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