6 Basic Cat Care Tips for First-time Parents

• Author: Myron Stroman
• Posted: 2024-10-07

If you plan to adopt a cat for the first time, learning some basics of caring for a feline will be essential to make them happy and healthy. For example, you'll need to know the best vet, food, and cat grooming essentials. Having the proper knowledge and supplies will help you provide your cat with the care and love it will need for an extended period. Here is an essential guide to caring for a cat:
 

1. Find a Reputable Vet

Before welcoming a feline home, selecting a reputable and reliable vet in your locality is essential. Ensure you choose a trustworthy person who you can freely communicate with. Then, contact the veterinarian to plan vaccination appointments, ask questions you may have, and get guidelines on raising a healthy and content cat. The vet shouldn't only focus on periodic checkups and provide you with information about your cat's behavior and health when needed.
 

2. Provide Your Feline with the Right Food and Fresh Drinking Water

You can only provide your cat with the right food by knowing the proper nutrition they need. Adult cats have different nutritional requirements from kittens. Therefore, please choose the right food for your cat, depending on their age, to ensure their bodies get proper nutrients.

When buying cat food, you'll find instructions about the amount of food to feed your cat on the packaging, depending on their age and size. Create a mealtime routine for your cat so that they can know when to expect to feed.

You can serve your cat enough dry food in the morning and leave them to feed whenever they feel like it. However, cats should consume wet food within half an hour of serving, and the remaining portion should be refrigerated and consumed within the next 24 hours.

Your cat needs enough water to stay hydrated. Your cat may avoid unclean water. So, ensure you replace their drinking water every day to avoid dehydration. Provide your feline with a shallow and wide water bowl to prevent irritation on their whiskers.
 

3. Ensure Your Cat Knows How to Use the Litter Box

Provide your cats with enough litter boxes and place them in areas with fewer movements and fresh air. It would be best if you had a litter box for each cat and an extra one for all of them. Adult cats may not need litter box training like the kittens do. You can start training your cat to use the box at four weeks.

Choose a litter box depending on your cat's size. Some felines might avoid using litter boxes if they find them too large for their size. You can start by introducing one type of litter box and see your cat's reaction before moving to another brand. Additionally, place the litter box away from the water and food bowls.
 

4. Your Cat Needs Grooming

While cats are self-groomers, it is necessary to groom your cat from one time to another. You'll need to brush, bathe and trim your cat's nails using the right tools. Brushing your short-haired feline once or twice each month and daily for the long-haired breeds would be best. If you experience your cat shedding some fur, brush them more often to prevent the hair from covering the furniture and floor.

Since cats keep themselves clean, you might not need to bathe your feline often. However, if you notice accumulated dirt on your cat's fur or have health issues preventing them from grooming, you may need to bathe them more regularly. In addition, hairless cat breeds require weekly bathing to get rid of body oils in their fur. Use cat shampoo when bathing the cat and offer treats to reward cooperation.
 

5. Play with Your Cat

Cats need to play for mental stimulation. You can play several games with your feline to help you bond as they exercise their bodies and minds. For example, you can tie a toy on a string and have them run after it. Make sure you create some play time for your cat daily.
 

6. Have All the Supplies Your Cat Needs

Create a checklist to get all the things your cat will need. Ensure you have bedding, an ID tag, a carrier, and a scratching post, among other supplies.

While caring for a beloved feline may seem intimidating, it can be quite manageable with the right resources and guidance. The above tips will guide you in preparing before welcoming the new furry friend. Besides, they'll help you understand your cat's needs and ensure their happiness. You will have a healthy, happy feline companion with the proper care and attention.