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Cats are relatively independent and will mostly care for them, not to mention they are quite cute. However, there are some things that a responsible cat owner should keep in mind when caring for a feline. Things are different if you obtain a kitten than if you decide on an already mature cat.
Kitten Care
If you got your pet as a kitten then it will have no issues adapting to its new home. This is due in part to the fact it will allow the pets already present in the house to rule over it. In turn, there will be many less fights that break out among your household animals.
Litter Training
Fortunately for you, most kittens are sold or given away already litter trained. You are left with the easy task of simply showing the new kitten where his litter box is now located in his new home.
Scratching Habits
A kitten is more than content following you around the entire house, even jumping or climbing up onto the tables and counters to stay close. This is not a habit you want to encourage due to these being regular places you keep food. Many owners keep a spray bottle of water nearby to squirt the kitten for behavior actions that are not acceptable.
For your sake, a scratching post is a good investment for your home so that your kitten has something they are allowed to sharpen their claws on. If they try to scratch on furniture or other unacceptable location, it is time to utilize that spray bottle again.
Claw Trimming
In addition to placing a scratching post of some style in your home, it is also your responsibility to keep their claws trimmed down. This will prevent your kitten from being able to cause serious damage to the furniture or accidental harm to a person. If your cat goes outside, do not clip their claws they are used for protection. The claws will extend for inspection and trimming when you press down on the toe. It is best to start regular claw inspections when your feline is a kitten, this way they are used to it as an adult cat.
Grooming Kittens
In comparison to an older and, by extension, large feline kittens do not shed a lot. However they should be combed if for no reason other than to get them used to the process. This is important for both shorthaired and long haired cats.
Nutrition and Vet Care
Do not just feed your cat whatever is most convenient or cheapest. Your feline needs to consume a high quality cat food found in a pet store. If you are new to this and are not sure what cat food is best for your cat’s nutritional needs then you should discuss good options with your veterinarian. Any of your pets should also have constant access to clean water to prevent dehydration.
Besides making sure your kitten is fed properly, he should receive all his shots from the veterinarian. Kitten’s usually receive a few sets of shots when they are young, and then receive a boosted annually as adult cats. Keep all of your pet’s shot records, just like you would your child’s, just in case you ever need them as proof of vaccination or you change clinics.
Adult Cat Care
Adapting to a New Home
If you decide on an adult cat then give them space to adapt to their new environment of their own accord. If your current pets fight a bit with the newbie, let them be. No harm generally comes of this and it is completely normal as they get used to each other’s presence. If you have a less common case of severe dislike between the animals at first then be sure to keep them in separate rooms when you are not able to be home with them.
Discipline
It is just as important to teach and adult cat as it is a kitten what is acceptable and what is not in your household. Pull that spray bottle full of water back out, this is the safest method of discipline as it does no harm to the animal.
Indoor Living
A house cat should be kept indoors their entire lives. It has been proven that inside cats often live at least ten years longer than those cats who are allowed outside. This is due to the fact that outside cats can more easily catch a virus or get hit by an automobile. The strays you often see outside are often only there for a few years.
There is not much difficulty in caring properly for a cat. Just remember to perform a bit of research and practice the things you learn to ensure a healthy and happy relationship with your cat.
Becca The Crazy Cats Lady is an experienced and knoweldgeable cat owner with years of experience caring for a multi-cat household. She curates, writes and shares cat content at https://CrazyCatsLady.com.
