Are you a new cat mom and feel like you could use some friendly advice? Are you thinking about adopting but you’re not quite sure what kind of responsibilities you’re gonna be in for as a cat daddy? Are you looking for a general overview of what it’s like to engage in the rewarding and fulfilling task of kitten rearing? Well, friend, you have come to the right place. An animal lover and cat mom with a billion years of experience, I’m here to help you run through the basics of kitty care.
Curious Kitties
Cats are curious creatures by nature, and since Marzipan is currently stepping all over my keyboard as I write this to you, my first piece of advice would be to embrace this. No matter what you’re doing, no matter where you are, your cat is going to want to be a part of it. All felines have an innate sense of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and if you’re doing something without them (you know, like using the bathroom by yourself – how DARE you), they may just have a full-blown kitty panic attack. That being said, they are also very independent and love their beauty rest. Thusly, cats are either in your face 100%, or they’re sleeping in the next room with nary a toot to give about what it is you’re doing. There is no in-between.
Because of this, it is very important to interact with your cat. Not only are they curious, but they are playful as well, and require lots of action and stimulation – especially the young kittens. All cats are born hunters, and games of chase are their absolute fave. Make sure you invest in some kitty toys such as laser pointers and other things your cat can interact with. It’s important to keep your new baby moving and active. Not only will this enhance their quality of life, but it’ll keep them in shape, too!
Indoor Or Outdoor
Ah, the age-old question of whether or not to let your baby bean out in the wilderness. Statistically, it is much more beneficial to keep your kitty indoors, as they are less likely to be exposed to ticks, predators, and other harmful elements. This is another reason why playtime is so important! If your kitty lovebug is indoors all day, it’s up to you to keep her exercising. If you simply must allow your honey pudding to roam the great outdoors, make sure you arm them with a flea collar and some anti-tick protection as mentioned in my previous article. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try harness training! That way you’ll always be able to have an eye on your cat while she’s exploring the great outdoors. And don’t forget; microchipping your pet can make a huge difference in your cat’s life should she ever roam astray. Better safe than sorry!
What’s On The Menu
Nutrition is an important part of every cat’s daily life, but popular brands such as Meow Mix aren’t as great for your baby’s health as one might think. Higher-end brands are much closer to being an ideal part of your sweet potato’s diet. A quick way to know if a food is good for your cat or not – always check the ingredients. If the first few ingredients are fresh foods such as salmon, turkey or chicken, you’re good to go. Ingredients such as grain and animal by-product are… eh… not so great.
Cats are obligate carnivores which means they require a high meat and protein intake, so always make sure you’re giving your kitty the nutrients she needs to look and feel her best. Additionally, wet food is almost always better than dry food, but mixing them together is a great way to keep your baby healthy while saving you a little bit of money.
Pampering Your Pet
Good hygiene is of chief importance to the health and well-being of your precious pumpkin. A regular visit to the groomer can never hurt, especially if your kitty has long, luscious locks. If not, a simple brush with a fine-toothed cat comb about twice a week will suffice. And don’t forget to clip her claws! Mani-pedis are a great way to keep your kitty’s talons in check. (And no, I would not recommend declawing your precious puss for any reason! Declawing your cat is bad news bears all the way around.)
Lastly, while we’re on the subject of hygiene, always make sure your sweet honey child has a clean place to do her kitty business. Cats are very finicky about their bathroom situations, so keeping Miss Snickerdoodle’s lavatory clean is of utmost importance. No one likes a dirty bathroom, and trust me, neither does your cat!
Keeping a kitty requires a lot of thought, responsibility, and in some cases, a keen intuition, but their companionship is more than worth it. Cats may not be for everyone, and if you’re deciding that all of this may just be too much for you, that’s totally fine! However, if you’re still eager to bring home a new furry family member, don’t worry – once you get the hang of it, taking care of your cat will be second nature to ya.
