To people, owning a cat might mean different things. Some people want a cat to curl up with them and sit on their laps. Others are content to live with a highly independent cat who spends much of its day outdoors and doesn't seek a lot of social involvement.
5 Things to Know Before Getting a Cat
However, look for a cat that will engage with you if you ask it to. Since no two cats are exactly alike, how each interacts with you will rely on its innate nature and early encounters, which may make it scared of people or enthusiastic about life.
Your environment also plays a huge role. There is no sure strategy to choose the right cat. However, getting from cat shows and knowing what you want and how cats think will help you find an adaptable cat to bring home. Read on to uncover things you should know before getting a cat.
Determine the Personality of the Cat You Want
Despite having identical faces, cats are all different. Cats have unique personalities that they acquire over time. It results in variations in warmth, playfulness, vigor, and hunting impulses.
Cats require less upkeep than dogs (that require company, walks, training, etc.). They nevertheless want care, and some cats require more attention than others, just like any other pet. Do you have little time? Do you desire to devote excess time interacting with your cat, or do you prefer it to be demanding?
Due to their independence, ease of being left alone, and suitability for smaller apartments and homes, cats are more suited to hectic, contemporary lifestyles than dogs. People who lead hectic, stressful lives and need company when they retire to their homes to unwind frequently choose cats.
What do you hope to get out of your friendship with a cat? If you're the type of individual who needs a tight bond with their cat, it can disappoint you if you adopt a timid cat that runs away whenever you enter the room.
Consider one of the pedigree varieties instead of a moggie because they tend to be more social and potentially more in demand of human interaction.
Never predict a cat's behavior before getting to know it. While there are similarities between breeds, there are still differences between individuals. You can't rely on the color of the fur to make inferences.
Ensure you click with a cat by spending time with it. Learn a cat's habits and tendencies, and try to investigate enough about its history. Early experiences can shape a cat's entire personality.
Understand Your Cat’s Diet
Early diet will determine a cat's health and overall wellness for the rest of its life. Understanding the components of cat food can help you guarantee that your new family member lives long and healthy lives.
Even though cats are descendants of desert creatures, they need fresh water to survive, especially if they consume dry food. They also require sufficient hydration.
To understand what you're giving your newest family member, ensure you read the cat food labels. Until you are confident in your understanding, you should review it for the coming weeks and months. Reading cat food labels will become second nature to you once you develop the skill, and it will help your cat develop healthily.
You Must Prepare an Item List for Your Feline
Fostering a new feline is similar to adopting a child. Although, for a cat, you might get a litter box rather than a diaper table.
There are several items to gather or acquire before bringing your new kitten home for it to feel more like an integral part of your family than a guest.
A feeding dish, drinking bowl, toys, brushes, cat carrier, nail cutter, comb, litter box, collar, identification tag, and a warm, comfy bed for your pet to sleep in are essential things you must get.
Do so in advance to reduce worry for you and your cat on homecoming day. You should also get a scratching post, preferably made of robust materials like burlap or pine bark.
You Must Prepare Your Cat’s Personal Space
Your cat won't feel completely at ease and peaceful if it has no designated territory. A territory or safe home is where a cat naps, grooms, and rests.
If you can, designate an entire room as your cat's domain. Ideal locations are empty bedrooms or laundry spaces because you hardly ever use them. Otherwise, prepare a quiet area in the living room for your cat.
The size of the territory is not necessary. It only needs to be appreciated and available. Your cat shouldn't be disturbed when it's in its territory.
The most crucial thing is that the new pet has a sanctuary where it may withdraw and unwind. It might voluntarily decide to interact with you and your family members.
Determine the Cat’s Age You Want
Kittens demand a lot of your time, effort, and focus. They often cause more problems since they are so playful. It's best to get kittens in pairs, especially if you'll be gone for extended periods, like your job, because kittens don't like to be alone. Kittens don't always get along with kids or the elders.
Since their character traits have been established, adult cats are typically more peaceful than kittens, and you can choose one with the personality you want. Do you own more felines?
Similar age with current cats makes new cats more likely to be accepted. Before bringing a new cat into your home, if you already have an older cat, meticulously consider how he could react.
Enjoying a Cat’s Companionship
Cats are adorable, amusing animals ready to be received into the family, but it will take effort and patience if it's your first encounter with one. Most cats are calm and amiable. However, cats are capable of sudden changes.
As a cat owner, you must accept that your cat can scratch and bite. Usually, it is a coping strategy or an act of annoyance.
Survival instinct often determines cats' behaviors. The cat will go into fight-or-flight mode if it senses danger. When scared, most cats tend to hide. But if the cat resists, it will struggle tooth and paw. Never try to intimidate a cat.
Recognize the kind of cat you're getting, the diet it requires, and the environment for it. Then, you are ready to own one.
Leave a Reply