My first cat: 10 care and home preparation

 My first cat: 10 care and home preparation

Reading time: 6 minutes

When adopting our first kitten, it's normal to be a little lost about their care. The main point is the preparation of the house: where will be the bed, the feeders, etc. You may already be wondering “how to prepare my house for my first cat?” But do not worry! We separate 10 tips for you

1. Feeders and drinkers

Cats feed several times a day. Therefore, as the first commandment of cat care, always make sure that the little animal has fresh water to drink. The food and water pots should be away from the litter tray and slightly separated from each other.

Another tip is to always opt for washable containers. Also, look for a pot that is big enough for the cat to eat and drink without touching its whiskers on the edges, as this irritates the kitty. Also, avoid plastic pots. Stainless steel feeders are the most recommended, and they won't break if dropped from high places.

As for the drinking fountain, you can opt for the conventional pot following the instructions above. However, to encourage your kitten to hydrate more often, it is recommended that you have a water fountain. Cats love running water.

2. Recommended food

Cat Food

Before your first cat arrives home, it is important that the food chosen to be offered is already prepared. Try to initially offer the food that was already served to him before arriving at your house. Finally, analyze whether this food can be maintained or whether it should enter the transition process.

To change cat food or change your eating habits, know that it is wrong to change food all at once. There are high chances that the feline will refuse the food. Check out the correct way to do this process:

Mix 80% of the old food and 20% of the new one;

As the days go by, reduce the amount of the old food, adding more and more of the new food,

Continue the process until you have completely replaced the old food with the new one.

Before choosing food for your cat, it is important that its composition is rich in fresh ingredients. Also, cats are carnivorous animals. So avoid cereal-based foods. Finally, don't forget to choose foods according to your pet's age, breed and size, especially if it's a kitten.

3. Walk

As for the time of rest, many cats will have their preferences of place around the house according to their personality. You might be thinking, “This is my first cat. How will I know his preference?” Usually, cats prefer covered and high places, where they feel safe and can observe everything around them.

You can find a variety of beds out there, but don't be sad if your kitty trades an expensive bed for a cardboard box. Provide resting places around the house, as adult cats sleep for up to 20 hours.

4. scratchers

Scratchers are essential items in a house where a cat lives. If you don't have scratching posts around the house, the tendency is for the cat to try to sharpen its nails on your sofa, bookcase, curtain, etc.

Always leave the scratching post in one of the main areas of the house, so that it is clearly visible. Otherwise, the kitten will opt for the furniture. The accessory must be high enough and, most importantly, stable for the cat to stretch out. A good option to prevent the cat from being overweight is the tower of scratching posts with various heights.

If your cat does not want to use the scratching post, you can choose to put some cat grass of your choice or a little food to attract him to the accessory. Remembering that cutting cats' nails or removing their phalanges is not an option. In addition to being illegal, it harms your kitten's health.

5. Sandbox

There are several types of sanitary trays out there. But your choice will depend more on the cat than the owner. Cats tend to prefer uncovered trays. But you can try to opt for the closed tray, which, in addition to being comfortable, prevents odors and sand from escaping.

Always remember that the trays need to be low to make it easier for the feline to get in and out. In addition, they must be located in places far from the feeders.

6. Transporting the feline

The carrier is absolutely necessary when raising a cat, not just for travel, but for taking him to the vet, during moves, etc. Even though this factor is the nightmare of many tutors, know that there is a way to make your kitty like transport.

To get the furry one used to the box, use it as one of the beds in your house. Leave tasty treats and toys inside, plus fluffy blankets and pillows. The cat needs to feel cozy inside the accessory.

And to make this transport safer, it is better for the box to be collapsible, that is, more practical for quick transport and cleaning. Remember that your material must be rigid and plastic, thus being safer in case of accidents.

7. Window protection

Cats naturally like to investigate their surroundings. Because they are very suspicious beings, they become curious when they discover new things. Therefore, it is necessary to put protection on the windows of our home, especially in apartments.

Even though the cat is an animal famous for being a tightrope walker, agile and usually landing on its feet, many factors influence the force of impact at the time of the fall, including from lower places. It is important to place nets on the windows and balconies of the house. Mosquito nets do not work as they are not strong enough.

8. Stimulation

Games and games stimulate the physical and mental of your four-legged child. And everything will affect the emotional well-being of the pet. Look for tutorials and play ideas and offer toys of many different types.

9. Vaccination and castration

Cat health is the most important topic of all regarding care. Keep your cat's vaccinations up to date. If you have found your pet at a cat adoption fair, most likely, the pet has already been vaccinated, in addition to having been neutered.

Unlike what many tutors think, neutering should not only be done on adult cats, but also on puppies from 6 months of age. In addition to preventing the animal from suffering from various health problems, the procedure also helps in the population control of cats.

10. Adopt a cat!

Now that you've prepared your house, it's time to get your kitty! For this, we recommend that you opt for a cat adoption. In addition to giving a home to a stray kitten, by adopting, you help reduce the illegal pet trade.

If you want to find cats for adoption, go to one of the Petz units and check out the animals rescued daily by partner NGOs. After monitoring, the animals are available for adoption.

With this “my first cat” care tutorial, you will be able to provide a comfortable and safe home and offer your kitty lots of love!