Learn More About Caring For Cats
When it comes down to caring for cats, it requires a lot of patience, commitment and love because you aren't just owning a cat as they will slowly become a part of your family just like a dog would. The thing about cats is that they can live to be 15 years or older so it's a huge commitment on your part. Not to worry though as most cats do not require as much care as dogs do.
Some of the basic things about cats and caring for cats is that of course, they do require you to feed them everyday. When you're caring for a cat, you want to try to incorporate some play time for them. If you're able to have multiple cats, that is a better way to go than just owning one cat as the cats will have each other to play with and keep each other company. The other thing about caring for cats that you have to understand is that it will take a little bit of money out of your pocket as far as food, vet bills for yearly vaccinations and other treatments if your cat does become sick. Not too worry as the vet bills might be a little on the expensive side when it comes to caring for cats because you do have the option to shop around for pet insurance.
A lot of people are excited and anxious when getting their cat but it's good to know that before you begin caring for you cat, you will want to prepare for your cats homecoming. This simply means you need to buy food and water dishes for your cat, a cat bed, a collar for your cat (make sure it has a break-away safety precaution) a pet quilt if you plan on letting your cat sleep on your bed, plenty of toys and of course food.
Now, about kittens. There is a difference when it comes to caring for cats and caring for kittens. Your cute little kitten needs to be fed with small amounts of food around 4 times throughout the day. When the kitten becomes 3 months old or so, reduce this feeding amount to 3 times a day. At around the 6 month to 8 month mark, reduce it further to 2 times a day. Cats of 12 months old only need to be fed 2 times a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening.
Another interesting tidbit about cats is that they clean themselves. The only problem with this is that cats accumulate hairballs in their stomach from licking themselves. In order to cut back on the amount of hairballs your cat will have, it is recommended that you brush your cat with a soft brush. This technique works very well with cats who are long haired and shed a lot.
If you're looking to give your cat more freedom then installing a cat flap is a smart move. That way your cat has easy access to the outdoors. In order for your cat to be able to come and go as they please, you will need to train them how to use the cat flap. An easy way to do this is to entice your cat through the cat flap with a treat. Open the cat flap fully while showcasing the treat on the other side of the door. Let your cat get used to the fact that they can walk through the cat flap with no resistance. Then, little by little, you can close the flap while getting the cat to go through the flap. Once the cat catches on that they can go through the cat flap by pushing through with their head, then they'll be good to go.
One of the most unlikeable facts about cats is that they prefer to sharpen their claws on household furniture. They will sharpen their claws on whatever they can find, mostly carpet, corners of the wall, couches, rugs. One thing you can do to combat this is to purchase a scratch post for your cat. Whenever you can catch your cat scratching on something, you should pick them up and place them by the scratch post to encourage them to start scratching the scratch post. Hopefully they will realize that they should be scratching the scratch post instead of your furniture.
One great thing about cats is that they are good about navigating their way back home if they leave the house. But if you are worried about your cat getting lost or maybe having some come of accident then it is best to have a micro-chip inserted into the back of your cat's neck. Most kittens nowadays already have them inserted before you own them so it is not really a big issue. The purpose of the micro-chip for your cat is that is will house information pertaining to the identity of the cat and who it belongs to.
For the most part, it is not too hard when you are learning about caring for cats. They are very lovable pets and some may be more needy than others but for the most part, they will show you a lot of affection. When people think about cats, it is thought that they are fully self reliant. Of course this isn't entirely true but they are more independent than other pets. Once a cat becomes your friend, you will have a loyal friend for their life. There is a reason why so many cat lovers have multiple cats and if you're willing to open up your home to them, you won't regret it. Love, patience and an open mind can go a long way when it comes to caring for cats.
