Ah, the joys of being owned by a cat. Oh, whoops, I meant the joys of owning a can. If you are a first time, or potential first time, kitten or cat owner it is important to understand what your new family member will need. The necessities will include all the things your new friend will need for daily living. You will need to make a decision on how to feed your new friend. In addition, when you learn the animal\’s disposition, you will decide what type of socialization it needs. Finally, you will want to be able to determine if your cat needs to see the vet. Mastering these few areas of knowledge will lead to a long and healthy relationship with your cat.
First, let\’s address the necessities. Your new family member will need a litter box, litter, food bowl, water bowl, food, toys-both interactive and self play toys. Depending on the location of the litter box you will choose covered or uncovered. Uncovered is generally more acceptable in a garage, mud room, or laundry room. If the litter box will be in a room with a lot of human traffic you will want to think about a covered litter box.
When choosing a food dish look at the depth and width of the dish. It shouldn\’t be so deep the cat will have reservations about finishing up the food. The water bowl should be as large as needed to supply water between fill ups. After many experiences with cats, I prefer to feed the dry food and allow it to stay in the bowl at all times. However, if you have a big eater you may want to choose a certain number of feedings.
When choosing a food dish look at the depth and width of the dish. It shouldn\’t be so deep the cat will have reservations about finishing up the food. The water bowl should be as large as needed to supply water between fill ups. After many experiences with cats, I prefer to feed the dry food and allow it to stay in the bowl at all times. However, if you have a big eater you may want to choose a certain number of feedings.
When choosing a food dish look at the depth and width of the dish. It shouldn\’t be so deep the cat will have reservations about finishing up the food. The water bowl should be as large as needed to supply water between fill ups. After many experiences with cats, I prefer to feed the dry food and allow it to stay in the bowl at all times. However, if you have a big eater you may want to choose a certain number of feedings.
It is also important to know when your cat needs to see a vet. If the cat is acting strangely, aggressive, or distant, then wait a day or two. If the behavior continues it is time to see the vet. If a cat has diarrhea do not wait more than a day to take it to the vet. If a cat stops eating it is an indicator to keep an eye out for a couple of days. However, if a cat is overeating and not gaining weight take him/her to the vet immediately. Also, keep a look out for the health of your cat\’s mouth, gums and teeth. The mouth is a good way to check overall health and detect illness.
You are ready to go and enjoy your new family member. It doesn\’t take a lot, but cat ownership is gives a lot back. Good luck.
All cats are not created equal. Much of their behavioris based on how they are treated. A cat that has never had affection will not know how to interact with a human. We can teach our cats and kittens we love them and need their affection as much as they need ours.
