If you have a little lion at home, you'll want to keep him as happy as possible. Providing care for a pet that has its own personality and charm is the most satisfying part of the relationship between you and your pet. You can learn to keep your cat happy and healthy for the rest of her life.
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Part 1 of 3: Taking Good Care of Cats
Step 1. Feed your cat well
The right diet is very important for cat health. Obesity is a major cause of health problems for pets. Look for quality cat food at the nearest pet store and make sure you buy food that is age-appropriate for your cat.
- For the quantity, follow the instructions on the food packaging. However, these instructions are just a guide. Often, cat food manufacturers overestimate the quantity, so the instructions on the package must be understood and matched to the cat's condition, whether the cat will lose weight or gain if given that much food.
- If you don't know what brand to choose, talk to your vet. He will be happy to help you.
- Be careful with snacks. Cats are always looking for good food and will beg for their favorite fish. You should only give snacks occasionally to avoid obesity.
- Don't leave meat and fish unattended. Keep in mind that cats can jump high and don't like following rules. If you're in another room, the delicious sausage on the table could end up in the cat's stomach.
Step 2. Take care of the cat's health
Cats can be infected with various diseases both inside and outside the home. It's important to take your cat to the vet at least twice a year for general checkups. Cats should be neutered to prevent unwanted kittens from being born and reduce the risk of HIV in cats.
- In some countries, it is mandatory to castrate cats to control the cat population in that country.
- Don't forget to ask for regular worm and flea treatment, especially if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors. Cats won't be happy if they have to scratch all the time!
- Have your cat chipped by a veterinarian. Giving the chip will save a lot of effort if the cat gets lost and is found by someone else. Sometimes, this is mandatory.
- Look for these symptoms: weight loss, lack of energy, aggressive behavior, eye infections, sores, limp, and dirty ears.
Step 3. Keep the environment clean
Cats have no other choice but to clean their bodies. Cats should not have body odor because this condition is very necessary for hunting and survival. As a result, cats have a sensitive sense of smell and need a clean environment to be happy.
- Don't bathe the cat. Cats can keep their bodies clean and will do long routines to get rid of their body odor. You should only bathe your cat if it is really dirty or has been exposed to toxic products that cats shouldn't swallow.
- Keep the litter box clean and fresh. Cats bury their droppings so they can't be detected. It's in a cat's nature to keep the litter box clean and cats will use other things if the litter box doesn't meet the standards. Change the litter at least twice a week and remove cat litter once a day.
Step 4. Rub the cat
Cats usually like to interact with their owners. Make an effort to pamper your cat at least twice a day and make sure you talk to the cat. Most cats like to be petted behind their ears, on either side of their noses, and under their chins.
- Always pet the cat from forehead to tail. Place your hand over the cat's head and follow the cat's spine. Do not stroke against the hair roots. Most cats hate that.
- Never touch the tail and soles of the feet. Cats hate it!
- Your cat will let you pet its belly if it trusts you. Never touch it if it stresses the cat.
- Cats don't like to be touched for too long. If your cat shows signs that he is upset or stressed, stop your touch immediately.
- Cats are sometimes unpredictable. Always accompany the kitten when petting the cat. Show the little one how to gently touch the cat and not make sudden movements. Cats will scratch if they feel threatened.
Part 2 of 3: Stimulating Cats in the House
Step 1. Give the cat some freedom
Cats need their personal space to be happy. Don't always try to interact with the cat and let it do some things on its own. Place the cat in a quiet room in the house so that small children will not disturb it.
- A cat's personal space doesn't have to be large. Cats love tight spaces, such as cardboard boxes, and will love to take a nap in them.
- Try growing cat-eat grass near the cat's private area. This special plant can help the digestive system and will not make the cat vomit like when eating regular lawn grass.
- You can buy a basket of cat grass at a pet store. Look for a type that can be cleaned easily because this grass can become dirty or smelly over time.
- Let the cat look out the window. Cats like to pay attention to birds and people.
Step 2. Provide entertainment
Cats are independent animals and can entertain themselves while you're at work. However, you can make sure that your cat has enough toys to keep himself busy. You can buy cat toys at most pet stores and supermarkets. When you get home, don't forget to play! Cats need exercise.
- You can also make your own cat toys. Tie a string around the doorknob and let the cat go crazy while playing with it.
- In addition, you can use the ball. The cat will chase him like he would chase a mouse.
- Don't forget to provide a scratching post because if you don't, your sofa will be the victim.
- Turn on the laser or flashlight and aim it at the floor. The cat will try to catch the light and will feel excited.
Step 3. Take care of another cat
Cats can live alone, but they will be happy to have friends. You might consider getting another cat if your work hours are very long and you still have space and energy. Don't forget to castrate them otherwise you'll create an army of cats! To introduce a new cat, do the steps below:
- Your pet cat will show resentment at first. Isolate the new cat first and let him get used to the room. Your old cat won't see it but can smell it.
- Introduce the two cats at mealtime, but place the feeding trays on different sides of the room. Separate the cat after it's finished eating and start again for the next few days.
- After a few days, allow the two cats to meet but always keep an eye on the situation. If there is violence, immediately separate the two cats and try again the next day.
Part 3 of 3: Exploring the Outside World
Step 1. Arrange a garden in your home
You should think about a few things before letting your cat play outside. You must provide a place to sleep outside the house. Cats like to take a nap in the garden. Look for a shady place that can protect it when it rains. Complete your back door with a cat door so your cat can get in and out. Place a small amount of food in a protected area.
- Supervise cat food when left outside. Make sure the cat food is not eaten by other animals.
- Take your cat to the vet for a checkup before letting it play outside. Talk to your vet about the dangers and things to watch out for when leaving your cat outside.
Step 2. Let the cat out
There is a lot of debate about whether cats are really happy to be left indoors. If you have a yard around the house, consider letting the cat play outside. Cats are predators and will enjoy the outdoors. This is a great way to keep your cat healthy.
- Consider if your house is on the edge of a busy street. Cats don't react well around cars.
- Follow the cat wherever it goes in the first few days and don't let the cat go too far. Cats need time to get used to their new environment.
- Watch out for other cats. Feral cats will view your garden as their territory and will see your cat as a threat.
- Don't trust the fence too much to keep the cat in the garden. Cats will surely find a way to escape.
- It's a good idea to put a collar around the cat's neck, but some cats will get caught in the railing because of the collar around the neck, causing the cat to suffocate. Microchips are a safer option, and all animal rescues and veterinarians can now scan them before handling the cat.
Step 3. Let the cat hunt
Don't try to get in the way of a cat hunting for birds or mice. Your beloved cat, like a lion, is a predator designed to kill small animals. Don't forget to make sure that there are no wild animals outside the house. Don't let your cat fall prey to it!
- Cats prefer to hunt mice and birds, but you may also see them chasing flies or other insects.
- Never punish a cat if it hunts and kills other animals. The cat will not understand why he was punished!
- When considering whether to let your cat out of the house, keep in mind that pet cats also hunt because they want to play, not just because they are hungry. So if your cat brings a dead mouse or bird into your home, there may be many more prey animals that you don't know about.
- Do not let your cat out of the house if you live in the vicinity of an endangered species of small animal.
