How To Take Care Of Your New Cat: 5 Tips to Ensure a Long and Happy Life Together
Living with a new cat can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. How do you take care of your new feline friend to ensure a long and happy life together? We’ve got some tips for you! If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you already have an idea of what taking care of your kitty entails. Perhaps another reason is that people will often tell you that they have adopted their cat, or that they tried to take care of their cat but it didn’t work out. In either case, understanding the basics beforehand from The Pets Universal is always a good idea. After all, it’s practically impossible to find the time to learn everything there is to know about your pet later on in life.
Be proactive
Being proactive will ensure that you’re able to take care of your cat the way he or she deserves. While it’s nice to take your new pet home and just start feeding him or her right away, it’s also a good idea to do some research beforehand. You might stumble upon a few articles, or watch a few cat care tutorials online. This will give you a better idea of what’s expected of you, as well as what you need to do in order to be successful.
Set boundaries
While it’s perfectly fine to welcome your new cat into your home and treat her just like one of your other pets, it’s important to remember that she’s still a feral cat you brought into the house. This means that she’s probably used to living on her own and is used to her own set of rules. If you try to take on too much too soon, you might end up stressing yourself out as well as your kitty out. It’s a good idea to set some boundaries up front as well so there aren’t any misunderstandings. Your boundaries might be as simple as “no playing with xyz toy”. If your cat likes xyz toy, then you can make a rule that you don’t play with it.
Exercise your cat regularly
Cats love to move. This is good news, because it’s one of the best ways to keep your cat healthy and happy. Regular exercise is good for both your cat’s mental and physical health. It’s a good idea to start exercising your cat as soon as you bring him or her home. When you start bringing your kitty to the park, on walks or playing fetch, it’s important to follow a routine. Make sure you feed your cat before and after the activity, and try to stick to a regular schedule. If you have a spare room that your cat seems to enjoy exploring, you can also consider turning this into a cat playroom. A playroom that your cat can use as a cat gym is a great way to encourage your cat to get active and relieve some of that excess energy. Keep in mind that cats like to do things their way, so make sure the room is safe and structurally sound.
Toys and games for playtime
Your cat will love to play, and you can use this to your advantage. If you have a spare room that your kitty seems to enjoy exploring, you can turn this into a cat gym. You can get a cheap playpen or buy a cat gym. These are inexpensive items that can help to keep your cat’s mind and body active during the more hectic days of the week. There are a variety of toys available for cats that make it easier for you to find toys that your cat enjoys. You can also try placing different toys throughout your home to give your cat different options to choose from.
Stay connected with your feline friend
Make sure you stay connected with your kitty. This can go both ways, since it’s important to stay connected with your cat during his or her life as well. It might help to set aside time each day just to think about your kitty. You can do this while brushing your cat, while feeding him or her, or while sitting next to the kitty bed. This will help you to stay connected with your kitty and reduce any feelings of isolation you might experience. If possible, make it a rule that you talk to your pet while he or she is near. This will help to keep your mind off of things while allowing you to stay connected with your cat.
Feed your cat a healthy diet
When it comes to feeding your kitty, it’s important to remember that cats are obligate carnivores. This means that they need a diet that consists of high-quality proteins, fats and vitamins. The Pets Universal advice that it’s best to start feeding your kitty the same diet that you feed your other pets from the get-go. If you’re not sure what specific ingredients are in your pet’s food, you can search online for dog and cat dietary information. It’s also a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to make sure you’re feeding your kitty a healthy diet.
The first couple of weeks of having a new cat can be a little overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that caring for a new pet isn’t very different from caring for an older one. It’s important to be proactive and set boundaries so that you don’t end up stressing yourself out and your cat out. It’s also important to remember to feed your kitty a healthy diet, exercise your cat regularly and maintain a close connection with your pet.
