Whether you are a first-time cat owner or are considering adopting a feline, there are a few things to keep in mind.
When you bring a new cat home, try to make their area as comfortable as possible. This can help them adjust better.
1. Get a scratch pole
Scratching is a natural behavior that cats engage in and it’s important for them to continue this behavior to keep their nails healthy.
A scratch pole is an important piece of furniture in any cat’s home. It helps to deter destructive scratching and can also prevent the need for furniture repairs.
When choosing a scratch pole, consider how tall your cat prefers to scratch. Many cats like to scratch vertically, but some prefer horizontal surfaces, so you should pick a scratch post that’s both sturdy and tall enough for your feline friend to stretch out.
You can find a variety of options, from sisal rope to corrugated paper. These posts will help to provide your cat with a good outlet for their scratching habits, and they can also help to reduce their anxiety levels as well!
2. Clean the litter box
The litter box is an important part of a cat’s overall health, and it needs to be cleaned regularly. This will help your cat avoid health issues like gastrointestinal distress, and it can also keep your home clean.
A dirty litter box can irritate your cat and make it harder for her to use the box. A cleaner box, on the other hand, is more appealing to your cat and helps to reduce litter tracking around your home.
The best way to clean a cat’s litter box is with warm water and unscented soap. Don’t use harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, which can be harmful to your cat and irritate her.
3. Keep your cat’s food and water bowls clean
If you have a cat, they need to drink water several times a day. It’s important to keep their bowls clean to ensure they have fresh, hygienic water that doesn’t smell funky or taste funny.
Keeping your cat’s food and water bowls clean is an easy task that doesn’t take much time or effort. Just make sure to wash the bowls regularly, especially if they are made of plastic or wooden material.
It is also a good idea to disinfect your cat’s bowls, preferably on a weekly basis. This will help to prevent a layer of slime called biofilm from developing in your pet’s water bowl.
4. Provide a scratching post
Providing your cat with a scratching post is essential to keeping your home furniture and woodwork from being scratched. Cats scratch for two reasons: to shed their claws and to mark their territory.
Many cats do not use their scratching post, but they can be trained to use it if provided with positive reinforcement. If you want to encourage your cat to scratch her post, place it near her favorite scratching spots and provide treats or catnip when she uses it.
Scratching posts come in various textures such as sisal rope, carpet, corrugated cardboard, and natural wood. Try different textures to see what your cat prefers.
5. Keep your cat’s health in check
If you notice any changes in your cat’s behaviour or appearance, make an appointment with the vet. These may be signs of illness or a behavioural problem.
To spot health issues early, check your cat’s coat – feel for lumps, scratching, scabs and swelling. Dandruff and oily or missing fur are also indicators of skin or internal problems, such as parasites or ear mites.
Similarly, check your cat’s paws to look for sores and cuts. Clean them off to avoid infection.