Mary Allen
You have a cat moving in – maybe for the first time in your life? PetReader reveals what makes you the best keeper for your cat.
There are things cats just love – and others they hate. As a freshly baked owner, you have to learn a lot. Especially if you’ve never had a cat before.
How can you become the best cat owner ever? PetReader reveals the most important basics:
Turn Your Apartment Into a Cat Paradise
In order for a cat to feel comfortable in its home, it needs enough variety at home – especially if you leave it alone during the day. Veterinarian Dr. Kelsey Nannig recommends toys, food dispensers, cat trees, and caves to hide in to “Refinery29”.
In addition, cats love raised cuddly corners from which they can keep a good view of their surroundings. This can be a soft pillow in the closet or on the windowsill or a special cat bed.
“Also make sure that there are no poisonous plants at home and that you don’t leave any poisonous food or medication lying around,” says the vet.
Keep the Litter Box Clean
When it comes to their litter box, our velvet paws can be very picky. Is it dirty and smelly? Then many of them will avoid the litter box – and instead, look for another place for their business.
This makes it all the more important that you clean the litter box every day. Dr. Kelsey Nannig recommends a litter box for every cat in the household plus an additional one. “It shouldn’t be hidden in the basement, but in a communal place where you can watch your cat’s behavior.”
Maintain a Safe Cat Life
You should definitely chip and register your cat – especially if he is an outdoor cat. In this way, the kitty can be brought back to you more easily if she gets lost or runs away. It is also important to keep your contact details in the pet register up-to-date. For example, change your address when moving or your telephone number when changing.
“Make sure that your cat’s vaccinations are always up to date, as well as the monthly preventive measures against fleas, worms, and ticks,” warns vet Dr. Kelsey Nannig.
You should decide very quickly whether your cat should only live in the house or whether it will be an outdoor cat. Statistically, outdoor animals have a shorter life expectancy – after all, dangers such as cars or belligerent conspecifics lurk outside. However, many cat owners find it more species-appropriate if their animals can roam outside.
Find a Good Veterinarian
Regular visits to the vet are important so that your kitty is doing well and staying healthy. It is all the more important that you find a doctor whom you will happily entrust your cat to. Also, make sure that you feel comfortable in the practice. Are the employees friendly and the waiting and treatment rooms clean and tidy?
“It is very important to find a veterinarian that you like and trust,” emphasizes Dr. Kelsey Nannig. “A vet who takes his time and provides you with reliable information.”
For example, the experts can help decide whether or not to have your cat neutered. Together with the vet search, you can also find out about health insurance and decide whether it makes sense for you.
Feed Good Quality Cat Food
Cats are carnivores – they, therefore, need high-quality meat cat food that provides them with all the nutrients they need. Wet food is ideal because it allows them to “eat” water at the same time.
Cats tend to drink too little. So that the velvet paws don’t dehydrate, you can distribute several drinking bowls at home. But make sure to always fill up with fresh water – most kitties don’t touch stale water. A drinking fountain can also be helpful because some cats prefer to drink running water.
Play with Your Cat
Cats need activity and variety – that is why they usually have a lot of fun playing time together. At the same time, you can strengthen your bond and learn to understand your cat’s body language. For example, by paying attention to when your kitty gets tired – and then giving her a break.
Speak Their Language
Cats communicate with us primarily through their body language. But to show your affection for her, you shouldn’t just suddenly pick her up and squeeze hard. Instead, blink at it. Because as good cat parents we should learn to communicate with them in such a way that they understand – not as we are used to from human communication.