Having a cat can mean different things to different people. Some want a cat to cuddle and sit on their laps; others are happy to live with a very independent cat which spends most of its time outside and doesn’t want too much human interaction.
What is important is that you try to find a cat that will interact with you if you want it to. All cats are not the same and how each individual cat behaves with you can depend on its inherent personality and early experiences (or lack of experiences), which can make it fearful or confident with people and life in general.
The environment in which you keep a cat is also extremely significant – for example if it lives with many other cats which do not get on, then it will be stressed and will react differently than if it was on its own.
While there is no guaranteed way to choose the perfect cat for you and your lifestyle, understanding your expectations as well as what makes cats tick will help you to bring home a cat that should be able to cope with its new environment and be the pet that you want too.
Things a Cat Parent Must Know before Keeping a Cat
This is first of the two part series on cat keeping.
Every cat parent wants to be the BEST cat parent but do you know what it takes to be the best? Here are the top 8 things every cat parent must be aware of:
- FOOD & WATER
We all want our cats to be fit and healthy. One of the most important ways is to ensure you’re feeding your cat with the right balance of nutrition such as proteins, fats, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. Remember a growing kitten and an adult cat requires different proportion of these nutrients. It is essential that your cat is fed a well balanced diet.
It is important that you know the ingredient in your cat’s food, so while buying any packed food (dry & wet), check if the content includes the nutrition listed as it differs from brand to brand. Some cats remain faithful to a particular flavour all their lives while some cats are fickle and will refuse to eat the same flavour after sometime. Fortunately, you’ll find various flavours offered by top cat food brands. If your cat is a fussy eater then do not buy food in advance. Also, it is a myth that a cat should be fed the same food at all times. Try providing more than one or two flavour food. This will ensure a balance nutrition requirement is met. When you change the brand or flavour of the food ensure it is done gradually so it does not affect your cat’s digestion.
Cats are natural carnivores their diet should consist of protein. They need a high proportion of protein (about twice as much as dogs). Your cat’s diet should also be rich in fat, as their digestive system is equipped to cope with easily. Some cat parents want to feed home-made food instead of brands. Making home-made food requires a good deal of time and effort and may not be as cheap as packed food. Ensure that the home-made food is prepared keeping in mind nutrition required for your cat. Additionally you will have to provide supplements for vitamins and minerals. If you are feeding fish or meat prepared meal then you need to give calcium & vitamin A & D supplements.
Apart from knowing the nutritional factor in your cat’s food, you need to also look into the amount of food intake by your cat. You need to follow regular mealtime as cats prefer it. Feeding instruction should be as per the age and weight of your cat. Do take advice from vet if necessary.
The next most important thing to look out for is “WATER” intake by your cat. In the wild, 70% of water comes from freshly killed prey and domesticated cat water intake comes from canned food. However you still need to provide fresh water to your cat at all times. A little water intake can lead to urinary disorder so water intake should also be closely monitored.
- GROOMING
As the saying goes – “a clean cat is a happy cat”
Grooming is a good opportunity to bond with your cat as it helps form a happy & trusting relationship. Grooming in cats depict caring attention that they experience from its mother while they were a kitten.
All cat breeds require regular grooming. Shorthair breed require lesser time (once a week) compared to longhair breed (thrice a week). Even though cats are known to groom themselves you still need to devote some time every week to groom them. Practice grooming routine while they are kitten so that they get accustomed to it
While grooming you can carry out a general check on the condition of your cat’s coat, skin, ears, eyes, nails and so on. Do invest in reliable grooming tools because you’ll be using it on them often.
It is recommended you gently brush your cat regularly especially if they are long or medium hair breed. This helps remove dead hair from the coat which might otherwise end up as a hairball in your cat’s intestine or stomach. Using the right technique is the key; first the coat should be lightly combed then brushed gently with a soft brush – working down the body from head towards the tail. Mats are common problem in cats, usually found under the chin and between their front legs. To remove mats you need to slightly dampen and then gently comb it making sure not to pull. Stubborn mats can be cut by carefully using the scissors.
You need to keep in mind the season of the year while grooming your cat. Summer and Spring are two seasons when you’ll notice that your cat is shedding a lot compared to other seasons. This is due to change in temperature.
A routine eye and ear check is required too. Eyes should not have any discharge and ears should be clean. Dirt from the ear can be removed using cotton swab by flapping their ear.
It is best to choose a time to groom your cat, preferably when they are relaxed or comfortable – making it an enjoyable session for both you and your cat.
- ACCESSORIES
Accessories required for cats are fairly minimal and need not be expensive.
- Bedding:Most often your cat will love to sleep in a cardboard box than a fancy bed but still make sure that you’re providing a good bedding for your kitty which is comfortable and safe. Cats consider their bed as a place of safety and hence the placement of bedding should be in a quiet warm corner of the house yet within sight.
- Dishes:Choose a wide, fairly shallow-sided dishes as cat’s dislike poking their muzzle into deep, bowl shaped containers. Water should always be available and changed at regular intervals. Keep their dishes clean at all time and avoid plastic based containers.
- Litter Tray:Litter box is a must for every cat. It is advised to use one litter tray per cat in a multi cat household. As a cat parent, you need to ensure the litter tray is kept cleaned at all times. Soiled litter should be removed after use; there are few litter-sand that make it easy to scoop from the tray. The tray itself needs to be cleaned thoroughly once a week by emptying the sand and disinfecting it.
- TOYS
Cats love some playtime, so take out some time everyday to play with your cats. This activity acts as a good form of exercise and helps in bonding with your cat. You can buy from store as they have a variety of clever and relative toys specially designed for cats or make use of some objects that you may find at home such as rolled-up sheets of paper, tissue rolls, table-tennis balls, bottle caps. Check the toy, it shouldn’t be easily torn apart & swallowed.
Scratching pad / post is a must buy for every cat parent which should be strategically placed around the house. The scratching post helps cats to sharpen their claws and mark their territory too. Having multiple of these is always a good idea. If you train your cat to use the scratching post then it will help avoid any damages to your upholstery and curtain.
5.Cat Health Basics
Basic cat care begins early. Veterinarians typically give healthy kittens their core vaccinations (including those against feline distemper, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I, and rabies) beginning at 4 to 6 weeks of age. Spaying and neutering are commonly performed when a kitten is between 8 weeks and 4 months of age.
6.The Cat “Starter Kit”
While there is no official “starter kit” for the first-time cat owner, you can plan on a few basics. You’ll need to provide food and water bowls, a collar and ID tag, a grooming brush (especially for long-haired breeds).
Kitty will also need a litter pan and litter. There are various cat litters on the market—everything from clay and recycled paper to wheat and walnut shells—so find which one appeals most to your cat and your environment.
Provide your new cat with a safe, comfy place to sleep or just chill out—away from family activity. Cats may not show it, but they can get over-stimulated and stressed, so providing a comfy spot for them to decompress is essential. It could be as simple as a box lined with a blanket or sweatshirt, or a pillow on a windowsill.
And if you already have other pets, be patient when introducing the new kitty to his housemates. Keep cat safety in mind: human medications and foods, plants and possible choking hazards around the house should be addressed prior bringing your cat into your home.
7.Feeding Your Cat
Cats are carnivores and natural hunters, so that means they need a diet rich in protein. In general, a brand of dry food that lists meat (chicken, fish, etc.) before carbs and fillers is your best bet. (Note: Diabetic or obese cats may have specific food restrictions, so check with your vet about unique dietary needs.) Canned or “wet” cat food offers a way to add variety to the menu, and can reduce kidney disease, as well as help older male cats from experiencing potentially dangerous urinary tract blockages. Treats are fine, in moderation, but are not a substitute for a nutritious diet. Water should always be available.
8.Cat Cleanliness and Grooming
While cats do groom themselves, you should brush your cat regularly. Most cats enjoy it, and a thorough brushing helps prevent matting of the fur, which can lead to skin infections. The occasional bath can also help remove dander (a help to those with cat allergies) and can reveal any problems, such as fleas or ticks, which can occur in cats that spend time outdoors.
9.Cat Exercise And Play
Cats may sleep a lot but they also play hard, so you might want to invest in a scratching post and some cat toys to keep them active and entertained. Indoor cats do need exercise, and playtime is a great way for you to bond with your cat. Your local pet shop is likely well stocked with a wide range of cat toys— from feather teasers to laser pointers—that are sure to keep your cat active.
Of course, you’ll want to give you cat lots of love! Most cats will seek out physical affection and a good cuddle is not only pleasant, but is healthy for both you and your cat. Simply petting a cat can help reduce your blood pressure, decrease your heart rate, and release brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that help boost your mood.
To care for a cat you will need to:
- Provide plenty of human companionship
- Provide regular, suitable meals with a constant supply of fresh water
- Provide a clean and comfortable bed
- Provide the cat with outdoor access or be prepared to empty and clean a litter tray on a daily basis
- Provide it with a stimulating and safe environment
- Groom it regularly. Longhaired cats require daily grooming
- Have it neutered between 4 and 6 months old
- Vaccinate against the major feline diseases regularly
- Worm regularly and provide treatment for fleas
- Take the cat to the vet when it shows any sign of illness
- Insure your cat or make sure you can afford the cost of any veterinary treatment it may need
How much care and attention does a cat need?
As pets go, cats are relatively low maintenance compared to dogs which need companionship, walking, training etc. However, like any pet, they do need care, and some cats need more care than others. Do you want to spend a lot of time with your cat, do you want it to be demanding, or do you have limited time? Cats can fit into busy, modern lifestyles more easily than dogs, as they are pretty independent, can be left alone much more easily and are more suitable for smaller flats or houses. Cats are often chosen by people who have busy and stressful lifestyles and who want some companionship when they go home to relax.
What do you want from your relationship with a cat? If you’re the kind of person who really needs to have a close relationship with your cat and to be able to handle it and have it interact with you, then you’ll be disappointed if you take on a nervous cat that hides every time you come into the room. You may want to think about one of the pedigree breeds which can be more interactive and perhaps more needy of human company than some moggies. This may however become a problem for the cat if you are out at work all day and only available to give attention on evenings or weekends.
Some cats need to know exactly what’s going to happen when, in order to feel relaxed. Such cats would be quite happy living with an old lady who rarely has visitors and leads a very quiet life, but would probably find it quite stressful living in a home full of kids and other animals with lots of visitors and activity. Other cats, however, might thrive on different interactions with lots of people and fit in perfectly well in a busy household.
If you’re not likely to have the time or inclination to groom a cat on a daily basis, don’t even think of getting a Persian or a cat with a long coat. In pedigree jargon, any cat with a longer coat, aside from a Persian, is called semi-longhaired because the coat is not as full as the Persian’s and does not have such a thick undercoat; however, it is still long and requires grooming. In addition, if you are extremely house-proud, you may not want lots of hair everywhere.
A shorthaired cat is a much easier option, as most cats are fanatical about their coats and keep them in immaculate condition. That’s not to say that they don’t leave hairs around – bear this in mind if you’re thinking of getting a white cat but have dark furniture, or vice versa. Likewise, a cat is quite likely to sharpen its claws indoors, often on the stair carpet, sometimes on the furniture or even on the wallpaper. Whether your cat does this can depend on the cat itself and also the environment you provide for it; however there are things you can do to try and deal with this, but it is best to acknowledge from the outset that your cat is an animal with free will and natural behaviour that may not suit someone who needs to have an immaculate house.
Can I keep a cat on vegetarian food?
Are you a vegetarian and want your cat to be one too? If you want a vegetarian pet that won’t challenge your beliefs, then it would be better to get a rabbit – a cat is a carnivore first and foremost, and looks and behaves as it does for just this reason. A cat is what is called an obligate carnivore – it has an absolute need for some of the nutrients found in meat and all of its senses of smell and taste are atuned to being a carnivore – it would be unfair and very dangerous to health to even attempt keeping it as a vegetarian.
Is there a type of cat which doesn’t hunt?
You may have a great aversion to your cat hunting outside. Perhaps you are a bird lover, or are simply unable to deal with small carcases on the floor. Hunting is normal behaviour for cats. Keeping a cat indoors may prevent it actually killing anything, but it will still need an outlet for this, its most instinctive behaviour, and not all cats will be happy with an indoor lifestyle. Likewise, if you’re simply getting a cat to keep vermin at bay, you won’t want to find yourself with one which isn’t especially interested in huntin’, shootin’ and fishin’ and prefers being a couch potato! Older cats are likely to hunt much less than younger ones and some cats don’t bother at all, but there is no easy way to know how a cat will behave.
Can I keep a cat indoors?
If you think about the lifestyle of a cat which has access outdoors you will realise that being outdoors brings a huge variety to its life and allows it to use all of its hunting behaviours if it wants to. Of course, there are risks outside for cats, but you need to balance these with the very positive aspects of physical and mental stimulation and an outlet for natural behaviour.
Can I have a cat with a baby or young children?
There is no reason not to have a cat or kitten if you have children. It is up to parents to teach their children from the very beginning how to approach, stroke and handle cats and to treat them kindly. Many children have fantastic relationships with their cats and learn about respecting other creatures and being gentle – it is done successfully all the time, but it is up to parents to lay down the rules. Perhaps taking on a new kitten when you have a new baby or a toddler might be a lot to handle at once, so ensuring you have time for all the parties is part of a successful relationship. Likewise, if you are pregnant there is no need to get rid of the cat. Simple and basic hygiene precautions and common sense management of the cat, while the baby is small, can ensure all cohabit happily and safely.
Should I get an adult cat or a kitten?
A kitten gives you the opportunity to take on an animal right from the beginning and treat it and care for it so that it gets the best start in life. You will also be able to get some idea of its character. However, kittens require a lot of attention and some forethought to prevent them from getting into trouble. If you leave them alone you have to make sure they will be safe while you are away. You may also have to organise neutering, initial vaccinations and so on, depending on where you get your kitten from.
While kittens have a huge ‘cute’ factor, it is worth remembering that they don’t stay kittens for very long – just six months out of a potential 14 years or more.
With adult cats, it is at least clear if they are long or short haired. You should be able to get a good idea of a cat’s personality, although if it is being kept in less than ideal circumstances and is stressed or frightened it may act very differently compared to when it is relaxed. A confident adult cat is likely to move in and settle down quite quickly; a nervous one may take more time. It will be much easier to leave an older cat alone in the knowledge that it is not going to get itself into trouble, and it will generally be much less hard work and worry than a kitten. An adult cat will probably already be neutered and vaccinated.
What sex of cat should I get?
The sex of a kitten doesn’t really matter, as long as you neuter your kitten before it reaches puberty (at about four months of age) when the influence of sex hormones kick in. Un-neutered cats may exhibit unwelcome reproductive behaviours. For example, un-neutered male cats will mark their territory with strong smelling urine while un-neutered female cats can come into season every two weeks if they do not become pregnant.
If you are getting just one cat or kitten, it doesn’t matter which sex you choose. Equally, if you want two kittens and you are getting two from the same litter, the sex of either cat is probably not important. However, if you have a resident cat and are getting just one kitten or another cat, it may be worth considering going for one of the opposite sex to try and remove some of the competition factor. A kitten may be a better option than another adult cat in such cases as the young cat’s immaturity seems to remove this competition factor – for a while anyway during which time you hope they will get to like each other! Neutering also removes the need for so much competition and makes the choice of sex much less important.
Should I choose a specific breed or moggie?
The majority of cats kept as pets are what we call moggies or domestic short or long haired cats – that is they are a random mixture of lots of different cats, we have often have little idea about their parentage (well the father anyway). This means we have no control over the colour, body shape, coat length or anything else that the kittens can inherit from their parents. So, for example, if your kitten is from a moggie mum but its father is unknown, it may develop a longer coat than you desire if the father was indeed longhaired.
There is more to choosing a pedigree cat than just liking a certain coat colour or length – there are ethical considerations with some breeds if you really want to consider the cat’s welfare. There are also health issues which you need to check with the breeder and things you need to ask. Good breeders aim to breed healthy, people-friendly cats and avoid (or seek to deal with) inherited disorders which arise.
What breed of cat should I choose?
There are many different breeds, some of which will require extra care and attention, for example if they have a very long coat or even no coat at all. Some pedigree cats are more people orientated and may not like to be left alone for long periods. If you are out all day at work it may be worth getting two kittens together for company – do your research about the breed you are interested in. Always make sure that health comes first, no matter what the ‘look’.
Can I have a cat if I have a dog?
If you have other pets there should not be a problem in getting a cat, but you just need to make sure that you take everything into consideration. If you have a dog you just need to make sure that you make introductions carefully so that your new cat is not chased or injured while the dog gets used to it. Not all dog types make good companions for cats.
How many cats can I have together?
It’s very easy to ‘collect’ cats – they’re addictively beautiful, they’re small and they’re quite easy to care for. Even if they don’t get on, they tend to remove themselves from the situation rather than fight. However, there may be a great deal of tension between cats which owners just don’t pick up on. Cats originate from a largely solitary species and although they can live in groups these are usually related individuals or are self-selected so that cats are not sharing space with cats that they don’t get on with. Cats may start to spray or soil in the house because they’re trying to deal with a situation where they feel under stress because of other cats, and this might be all that owners notice.
If you have two cats living together very successfully then think very carefully before you add more. If you have three cats living well together then thank your stars and quit while you’re ahead! The trouble with adding more is that it might not be just the relationship between the resident cats and the new one that causes problems; it may upset the whole equilibrium of the resident cats’ relationship and introduce difficulties even between the original cats as tension and stress levels rise. Any new cat needs careful introduction.
The best way to have two compatible cats is to choose siblings. These will have grown up together, and this usually bodes well for a good future relationship (although never guaranteed!).
What does it cost to keep a cat?
If you are buying a pedigree cat then there will be associated costs and these may be quite large. Pedigree kittens usually come vaccinated and in some cases already neutered. If you are getting a cat from a rescue organisation then they may ask for a donation or a fee and again it will probably come already neutered and vaccinated. Kittens or cats from friends or neighbours don’t usually come neutered or vaccinated, wormed, treated for fleas or anything else and it will be up to you to register with a vet and get these things done. Neutering is obviously a one-off cost, but several vaccinations will be required to make sure that a kitten is protected from infectious diseases; thereafter a regular booster vaccination will help to protect it during its life (requirements depend on the cat’s lifestyle and risks associated with that – your vet can advise you). Then there is food, preventive health care regarding treatment for fleas and ticks and worms, cat litter if you want or need an indoor litter tray, beds and grooming equipment if you take on a longhaired cat. Microchipping is also recommended in case your cat goes missing. We recommend that you also insure your cat so that if an accident or illness happens then you do not have to worry about the costs. Choose your insurance carefully to make sure you get what you expect or need.
I am allergic to cats – is there any breed which is better than others?
Many people think it’s a cat’s hair that causes us to react to them by sneezing, wheezing or itching. In fact it’s a protein or allergen called Fd1, present in feline saliva, which causes the allergy. Because cats groom themselves regularly they have saliva all over their coat. This dries on the coat and when the cat scratches, moves or brushes past objects the dust or dander and the hairs which contain the allergen are spread about. Cat-lovers who really want to have a cat but are allergic sometimes think that by choosing a breed with less, little or no coat they can avoid the problem. However, as it is saliva that causes the problem, this is unlikely to help, and although longhaired cats do seem to cause more allergic reactions that’s probably only because, having more hair, they’re also covered with more allergen.
It’s worth trying out different cats by visiting friends with cats to see if they elicit less of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately it’s a very difficult problem to get around for people who react or who have family members who are allergic.
What should I do with my cat when I go on holiday?
If you go away on holiday you also need to consider who is going to look after your cat. If you are only away for a day or two you can ask a neighbour to pop in and feed it and check it is OK. If you are away for more than this you may want to consider a boarding cattery, as many cats may wander looking for company. If you have a nervous cat it may hide when the feeder comes and he or she may not be able to be sure that everything is all right. A good boarding cattery will keep your cat safe and you can relax while you are away. There are bad boarding catteries however.
https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/cat-care-tips-to-keeps-your-cat-healthy/
https://theconversation.com/five-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-feline-companion-177267
