TOP 10 TIPS FOR NEW CAT OWNERS
You want your cat to be happy when you become a pet owner. When your cat is new, how can you make your home welcoming? What can you do for your cat to feel happy, safe, and healthy? Cat scratchers, additional litter boxes, and plenty of playtime should all be part of any first-time cat owner’s checklist. These are 10 fantastic tips for cat owners who are new to the hobby.
Make your cat feel safe and secure
You may find your cat shy at first. Make sure you make your home welcoming. It is normal for your cat to hide from you when she feels anxious. Cats are not used to change and may need to adjust to new sounds and smells in your home.
Your cat deserves a safe space to retreat to. You can make it a cozy place for her to sleep on. Cats may prefer to sleep in an enclosed bed when they feel stressed. You can also place some catnip toys inside and a blanket.
Comfort Zone Calming Diffusers should be placed around your home. One outlet should be located in every room where your cat spends the most time. The vapor released by these diffusers is drug-free and odorless. It mimics the cat’s natural pheromones to signal that a space is safe. This is a way for your cat to communicate with you in her own language. It can help increase her mental well-being. Your cat will feel more secure and less likely to react with stress by spraying or scratching. Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Diffuser is a good option for households with multiple cats. A Comfort Zone Calming Collar with BreakAway safety features can also be purchased.
Visit the Vet
Make sure your cat has regular visits to a reputable veterinarian. You might also consider getting him a microchip. In case your cat ever escapes, keep the microchip number along with a picture of your cat on your phone. You will be grateful you did.
Introduce your cat to other pets slowly
Introduce your new cat to your dogs and other pets slowly when you bring her home. Your new cat should be kept in a separate area. Feed your pets from either side of the closed door. Place each pet’s blanket into the other pet’s room. They will soon get used to each others’ smells. Gradually, you can start to feed them both sides of a closed gate. Then, try supervised visits. You can observe their body language and separate them if necessary.
You can try different types of litter and boxes
One litter box per cat is a good idea. Make sure you have enough space.
It is possible to experiment with different types of litter boxes and litter. Some cats prefer soft litter while others prefer crystal litter that won’t stick to their fur. Cats might prefer uncovered, covered, or low-edged litter boxes. The litter boxes should be kept away from loud noises and heavy foot traffic. Make sure to spot clean your cat’s litter at least once per day.
- These steps will encourage your cat to poop.
- Make sure your cat is not exposed to anything dangerous.
High-quality cat food is essential. AvoDerm’s dry and wet food for cats is a good place to start. There are many flavors available.
Avoid feeding cats toxic foods and keep your cat safe from household plants. Keep your cat safe from any chemicals or other items that could cause harm. Cats can get into almost everything.
Make your own food and water bowls
Dog owners should be aware that dogs can sometimes get into cat food. A food bowl that attaches to windows might be a good option for your cat. It can be kept high so that your dog cannot reach it.
Cats are more likely to drink water than they need. Consider putting water bowls in various places around your home. A water fountain bowl might be a good option, as some cats prefer running water. It is more oxygenated so they enjoy it better and can hear it running, which makes it fresher.
Make your indoor environment attractive
Cats are more comfortable indoors than outdoors, but they can get bored. Your cat will love an indoor environment that is inviting. Your cat will love climbing on condos or cat trees. Set up window perches and open the shades to allow your cat to enjoy some “cat TV”. For extra entertainment, place a bird feeder outside your window. You can get lots of toys, some with catnip, for your cat to enjoy. Interactive toys are also available for you to use when you’re away.
Get Cat Scratchers
Cats scratch to get rid of the outer layer of their claws and to mark their territory. Cats can also use scratching to express happiness and relieve stress. Your cat will scratch at your carpet and furniture if you don’t offer scratchers.
It is better to have too many cat scratchers than too few. You can place scratchers in various rooms depending on where your cat prefers to be. You might consider both horizontal and vertical scratchers as some cats may only be able to use one.
Have some outdoor fun!
You can still enjoy safe outdoor adventures with your cat, even if you don’t want them to go outside. You can set up a safe outdoor area for your cat to play in. This could be a catio, or a ground-staked cat tent. Your cat can be put on a harness and taken outside on a leash.
The harness will be adjusted indoors by your cat. Some cats will crawl on the ground a little before they become comfortable with the harness. Others might be unable to move for a while as they adjust to it. Most people will eventually get used to it, especially when they realize that the harness is a way of getting outside.
Play with Your Cat
Play with your cat. Playing with your cat keeps her brain active and helps to develop socialization skills. You can encourage your cat’s curiosity by asking her to chase a feather-wand around the house or to grab a treat and chase you down the hall. Clicker training is a great way to bond with your cat, and keep her brain challenged.
Additional Resource:
https://www.dogspot.in/dog-breeds/
https://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeds/browse-all-breeds/
https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/research-studies/past-projects/dog-breed-identification/dog-breed-dna-and-survey-results/