Taking care of a cat is a complex process that depends on several factors. If you own a house with a garden and the cat spends a lot of time outdoors, being able to hunt and climb trees is different than the situation when cats live indoors and cannot fully take care of themselves. There is more to owning a cat than having a lovely, purring companion, so there are a few things you should consider in order to take care of it properly.
Before bringing the cat in, you should take it to the vet for immunization and also schedule it to be spayed or neutered as soon as the doctor recommends it. There is no excuse for not spaying or neutering your cat. Intact male cats will spray and it will be directed at your belongings. You will deal with a terrible smell and an aggressive cat, looking to escape and mate. Allowing him to go outdoors can be worse, as he will probably fight other males while in search of a female in heat and risk to become injured. Not to mention that the pet overpopulation problem is extremely serious, so it would be irresponsible to contribute to it. An indoor female cat in heat will be very stressed out, vocal and, ultimately, a victim of hormones. She will not be pleasant as a companion and she will have the risk of mammary, ovarian and uterine cancer.
Another important thing to do is buying a proper litter box for your cat and keeping it clean. Cats are very sensible to these details.
Also, be sure you buy well-balanced food, which will provide all the necessary nutrients. If you are an inexperienced cat owner, you can always ask your veterinarian about the best food types for the different stages of your cat's life. A nutritious, balanced diet is essential for your furry companion's health. Cats must also have permanent access to fresh water for drinking.
They are very playful, so be sure you buy some small toys (they do not need to be expensive!) in order to keep them happy and mentally occupied. You should also consider buying some other useful supplies, such as a ready-made cat tree, which provides great climbing opportunities, and a scratching post that will distract it from scratching your household goods. Brushing the cat regularly will keep its fur and skin healthy and reduce hairballs.
Offer your cat a collar with visible identification, considering that they tend to be sneaky. Getting pet insurance is not a bad idea either.
And probably the most important thing is to spend as much time as possible with your cat, play with it, and get to know it, in order to be able to notice any changes in its behavior that might indicate a problem that requires special attention. Cats are known for being very independent and having their own ideas about how to do things – however, with love and a positive approach, you can train them, at least to some extent.
