Getting a cat might seem as simple as going to a pet shop or shelter and choosing which feline you’ll take home. But it’s not really the case; if you want to keep your pet healthy and happy, you have to know how to take care of him and fulfil his physical and emotional needs. You can achieve these goals by taking several steps, such as:
1. Getting Your House Ready For Your Cat
Don’t just bring your pet home and dump him in your living room floor. Felines are notoriously sensitive to new environments, so it’s up to you to help your cat settle down and be comfortable in your house. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Get down on all fours and look at your place from a cat’s point of view. Are there any holes, pipes or ductwork that your pet can slither into? If there are, find ways to cat-proof them and prevent your cat from getting into accidents.
- Your pet can adjust to his new home better if he’ll have a small place to call his own once he arrives. You can set aside your bathroom, laundry room, spare bedroom or basically any enclosed space for him. Don’t worry if your pet curls up in his room for several days or even a couple of weeks; once he has acclimatised to his surroundings, he’ll eventually venture out and explore the rest of your home.
- Put a scratching post in your cat’s room. He’ll have a designated place to satisfy his urge to scratch and you won’t end up with furniture that are shredded to pieces.
2. Knowing How To Provide For Your Cat’s Basic Needs
Like any living creature, a feline’s basic needs include food, water, shelter and healthcare. So, as soon as possible, find ways to take care of these aspects and help your pet achieve better overall wellbeing.
One thing you must do is to bring your cat to a reliable and experienced veterinarian so he can get a physical check-up and receive any needed immunisations. Your vet can also give you advice on how often you should feed your pet and help you choose a type of cat food that’s well-balanced and age-appropriate.
Don’t forget to stock up on the things your pet needs. As mentioned above, you’ll need to buy dry or canned food that matches his nutritional requirements. You also have to purchase high-quality litter; there are different types available in the market, so do your research and pick one that best fits your preferences and budget.
Of course, make sure to give your pet clean water every day. Like many felines, he might not be too fond of liquids, so it’s your responsibility to ensure he’s properly hydrated. Place his water in stainless steel bowls instead of plastic (which can sometimes leave a taste that cats hate), and use filtered water instead of tap water (which usually has high amounts of chlorine and other minerals).
3. Obtaining High-Quality Pet Insurance
No matter how much you take care of your new kitty, there’s still a chance that he’ll fall ill. Because of this, it’s important to get comprehensive cat insurance ASAP. By having this type of cover, you can provide your cat with excellent medical care in case he gets sick or injured. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to face sky-high veterinary bills.
These are just some of the things you should do if you’re planning to get a cat. Take these steps now to become a wise and responsible pet parent and have a healthy and happy kitty!