A Guide To Keeping Your Adopted Cat Healthy and Happy
- Author: Bryan Miller
- Posted: 2024-06-17
Adopting a cat can be fulfilling and rewarding for you and the pet. The cat will get a comfortable place to call home, whereas you will get a companion who will provide you with a lot of joy. When adopting a cat, you want one who’ll be with you for the longest time possible.
However, you must understand several things before welcoming the feline friend to your home. Knowing how best to keep your furry friend healthy and happy for an extended duration is essential. Here are six practical tips that will help you achieve that:
1. Provide Your Cat with the Right Food and Enough Water
Professionals believe that the best food to feed your cat should be of good quality and wet because it is close to what they would feed on if they lived in the wild. If you don’t want to spend too much on cat food, consider combining kibble and wet feeds. Introduce your kitty to wet food immediately after adoption because cats are selective about food depending on its texture. A delay in introducing your cat to wet food might make it refuse.
In addition, avoid feeding your furry friend too many treats since they can lead to health issues such as obesity. Most dry foods contain carbohydrates and less meat and can cause unhealthy weight gain. Cats don’t like drinking too much water because they get most of what their bodies need from what they feed on. It’s one of the reasons why experts recommend that you provide your pet with wet food. Additionally, always check your older cats for sunken eyes and panting since they can indicate dehydration.
2. Provide Your Cat with a Peaceful Hiding Space
Even though cats are social beings, they need a safe space to go when they need quiet and alone time. It is also essential to place the cat’s litter boxes in a clean, safe, and peaceful place, away from movements and commotion. Naturally, cats like using a litter box where they can see whatever is happening in their surroundings to avoid feeling vulnerable.
Each cat should have one topless litter box, so if you have three kitties, you must have three boxes. If you notice your cat refusing to use the litter box, consider getting a different brand because cats prefer certain boxes to others. Lastly, remove all hazardous items from the areas your cat will be spending time in before adopting a cat.
3. Avoid Adopting Too Many Cats
While it is possible to adopt and take good care of multiple cats, experts recommend you shouldn’t have more than two in your home. Having more may be one of the major causes of behaviors such as defecating away from the litter box. However, talk to a vet if you find your cat avoiding the box because it can be a sign of UTI or other illnesses.
4. Provide Your Pet with a Suitable Environment
These days, most cat owners prefer having their pets stay indoors because there are several dangers they could face outdoors. Even though your cat may not enjoy staying indoors, it will help you save money you’d have spent on vet visits and help the pet have a healthier, longer life. Cats love hunting, and they do that while touching, smelling, and exploring the environment around them.
Therefore, it is essential to enrich your indoor cat’s environment so they can stay active and happy. Get different toys for your pet since what one kitty may prefer may not be similar to what others enjoy. Additionally, provide your cat with several scratching posts to prevent them from destroying your furniture and other household items.
5. Avoid Skipping Vet Appointments
Your cat needs vet visits for vaccinations, tick and flea prevention, and check-ups. Ensure that your feline is available for all vet appointments to keep them healthy and happy.
6. Brush Your Feline Daily
While it may be tasking to brush your cat daily, it will help reduce hairball formation in the pet’s digestive tract. It may be tempting to leave your cat unbrushed if they love grooming themselves. However, that may not be enough to prevent the formation of hairballs. Make your cat’s brushing time exciting by associating it with positive activities such as getting their favorite treats.
If you’ve decided to adopt a cat, that might be the best thing you may have to do because you will shelter the pet as you get a companion and friend. The above pointers will guide you in keeping your pet happy and healthy for the longest time.
