The Basic Cat Care Tips for New Caregivers
- Author: William Asher
- Posted: 2024-04-08
Congratulations on adding a kitty to your household! Your family will enjoy having the new cat as one of them. There are some basic cat care tips you need to enable your pet to remain healthy, happy, and comfortable. Find below some of those you need for your new cat:
1. Understand How to Feed Your Cat
It would help if you always fed your cat with high-quality food that you could purchase from a local store. When you visit the vet to assess the pet for the first time, they will advise you on the best diet. They will consider age, health condition, and activity level to determine the number of meals to serve your kitty. The vet will recommend that you provide balanced diets at all times.
The meals should contain foods that promote good health. You should provide the pet with clean water and change it daily. Also, it would be best if you gave your cat fewer treats than its daily meals. Check the labels before serving all the packed foods.
Avoid feeding your pet with food containing things that could poison it. Don't hesitate to take the cat to the vet if you notice any abnormal behavior, such as vomiting or irritability. Contact the vet and get proper guidance whenever you have a question concerning how to feed or what to feed your cat.
2. Understand How Best to Groom the Pet
Cats rarely require bathing because they are generally clean. However, it would help if you always combed their fur. It makes the cat smart, clean and reduces the build-up of hairballs. Research about the best brush for your cat before buying.
3. Handle Your Kitty in the Right Manner
It is vital to understand how to hold your furry friend when lifting it. You should put one arm behind its front limbs and the other under its hindquarters. Always avoid holding the cat by its neck or front limbs.
4. The Cat Needs a Comfortable Shelter
Provide your cat with a dry and clean shelter. The cat should have a well-made sleeping area with a warm and comfortable blanket. Ensure to clean the beddings often to prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your pet. Your cat will also be safe from contracting infectious diseases.
5. Choose a Proper Identification for Your Pet
If you allow your cat to go out of your compound, ensure that they wear an identification tag. The safety collar should have an elastic panel so that the cat can entangle itself if the collar gets trapped by something. The ID tag will help the cat return to you if it gets lost.
6. Place a Litter Box in a Strategic Position
Your indoor cat needs a clean litter box. It would help if you placed it in a quiet and easily accessible area. It would help if you did not move the box unless completely necessary. If it happens, avoid moving it too far from its usual location. Since cats love clean places, ensure to remove all the solid wastes from the litter box every day.
Remove all the contents of the litter box, clean it using a mild detergent and refill it at least once per week. Avoid using strongly scented detergents when cleaning the box. If you find your cat avoiding the litter box, kindly consult your vet on what you should do in such a situation. Sometimes, cats refuse to use the litter box because of a medical issue that needs treatment.
7. Provide Your Cat with a Scratching Material
Cats can't stay without scratching. They do that to eliminate the older part of the nail and expose the smooth part below the nails. It would be best to trim your cat's nails twice per month to keep them unsharpened and less harmful for others. Also, provide your pet with a stable scratching post. Find one covered with a rough texture. You may also get a good scratching pad for your cat.
8. Be Keen on Your Cat's Health
Take your cat to a vet for a checkup at least once each year. The vet will give recommended vaccinations to the cat and conduct all the necessary examinations for any disease or injuries. They will then provide the cat with the best treatment and medication for any medical issue discovered.
Bottom Line
The above are the top tips for ensuring that your cat remains healthy and content. Ensure to observe all of them and consult your vet whenever you are unsure about treating your pet.
