#Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Your First Cat

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Yes, you adore your little furry friend, but sometimes the creature might annoy you when they scurry around the house at three in the morning or ignore a spotless litter box. The good news is that, with some assistance, almost every typical cat issue can be solved. To understand the benefits of getting a cat and how to overcome any challenge, keep reading!

Benefits of Getting a Cat

Long Life Spans

Did you know that cats, on average, live up to 20 years? So, if you’re looking for a lifelong buddy, a cat is the right option for you. People have cats that they grow old with, and that’s why they can so quickly become a part of your family.

Independent

If you’re worried your busy lifestyle might not be able to sustain a cat, you’re wrong. Cats are very independent animals and don’t necessarily need your attention. Yes, you’ll be needed to feed them regularly, but that’s the minimum. They can bathe and even go to the bathroom themselves. They also love to play with themselves, hunt in the garden alone, or scratch up some toys independently.

Improve Health

Cats are known to improve their owner’s health, especially their heart. Cats don’t require as much physical activity as your dog; they go easy on your heart and cause you less worry. But being in the presence of a cat or petting a cat reduces the owner’s stress levels.

Things to Know Before Getting a Cat

Adopt, Don’t Shop!

Many shelter animals have suffered in the wrong home or are simply looking for a new loving home. Many shelters are charity organizations with limited funds and can’t necessarily care for all the pets they receive. Quite often, those pets are put down or left on the streets. In these situations, always adopt from shelters.

Many breeders forcefully breed cats and dogs, and many other animals to increase their sales, which is very harmful to the animals. If you continue to shop, you’ll be supporting them.

See a Vet

If you’ve got a cat and are thinking of what to do next, the first stop should always be a vet. Here you can get your cat checked for any diseases and treatments needed but also create a schedule for routine appointments that you will need. Especially if you’re adopting, just be sure to check that your cat is healthy.

Meals Management

Yes, it’s mentioned earlier that cats are independent creatures, and you still need to give them food. Cats are carnivorous creatures and need many nutrients in meats, so remember to add that to their diets.

Claw Management

You may feel like getting your cat declawed is necessary, but it is not, and it may be excruciating for them. Rather than declawing, if you’re too worried about your furniture, regularly trim their claws so that they don’t cause too much damage to you and your household items.

Get Neutered

Suppose you’re not looking to have a cat family. It’s wise to get your cat neutered or spayed. Did you know stray cats are widespread all around the world? If you have a fertile cat in your house, she can get into health as early as 16 weeks and get impregnated by any stray cat around. If you don’t want them, Kittens can be very difficult to manage. Fortunately, a cat can get neutered as early as 6 weeks old.

Litter Management

Cats train efficiently and then can take care of their bathroom times themselves. However, you must show them how not to make a mess around the house initially. You can easily do this through a large cat litter box and training for a few weeks.

Challenges with a New Cat

Distant

Some may say that a cat is too distant and won’t come running to you every time you enter your home, licking your face as a dog would. So, if you’re looking for 24/7 attention, a cat might not be your best friend.

Scratches

Yes, cats love to play, and that often comes in the form of scratches. But no need to hide all your furniture or get them declawed. Get a scratching bed or a toy tall enough for them to scratch around. Initially, you may even spread some cat nip on them to attract your cat to them.

Routine

Cats love routine. You must feed them if they want to be fed at a particular time. That’s the deal you made when you brought them into your home. However, that’s not too much of a worry either. Many devices can be timed and display cat food at a set time every day. Appliances like these can benefit you and anxiety-reducing for your cat friend.

Conclusion

Cats are entertaining and may give you a lot of enjoyment and company. Yes its independent, yet it can also be fiercely devoted to you as its owner. Spend a little time with your cat every day to foster a relationship between the both of you.

by Tracie Johnson

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