When we decide to adopt a cat for the first time, many doubts can arise. It’s normal not to know what to do when a kitten comes home, what accessories a cat needs, or what kind of food it needs.
Then, in Animal Expert, we will show you the necessary things to have a happy and safe cat in its new environment or, also, how to act with a cat in its first days at home. Find out below how to maintain and prepare the house for the first cat.
- Free cats eat several small meals throughout the day.
- So our cat must have fresh water and food available for 24 hours.
- Containers should be located away from the sanitary tray and.
- If possible.
- Slightly separated from each other.
We should opt for containers that are easily washable and large enough for our cat to eat and drink without his whiskers touching the edges, as this is very irritating to them. If you notice, your cat often only eats food in the center of the dining room, for the same reason.
Ideally, choose stainless steel or ceramic feeders and feeders, taking care to place them well, as they could break when falling from a high place. However, we will always avoid plastic containers. In addition, if we want to encourage our cat to drink water, it is ideal to choose a source that attracts him, because the animal will always have running water.
Before the feline gets home, we must have ready the food that we are going to offer him, that is one of the most fundamental things for him. Ideally, we should be informed about the type of food proposed above and whether it is appropriate, whether we can maintain it or make a transition process.
To change your cat’s eating habits to other brands or types of foods, follow the steps step by step to help you avoid various digestive problems:
It’s not always easy to choose a good cat meal. It is important to analyze the composition in detail until you find a good quality food made with fresh ingredients. Keep in mind that cats are essentially carnivorous animals, so we should reject cereal-based foods.
It will also be important to choose according to the age or needs of the feline. On the market we find rations for animals, adults and the elderly, but also for cats sterilized, overweight or with various health problems.
You can also opt for a BARF diet for your cat, however, when it comes to homemade recipes, we always recommend that you consult with a veterinarian to avoid nutritional deficiencies or various health problems.
Learn more about cat feeding in this other article
Our furry friends can sleep until 8 p.m. as adults and, to enjoy this break, they need a place where they feel comfortable and safe.
Depending on your cat’s personality, you’ll have some or other preferences, but you tend to like covered places, where you feel most protected. In addition, they are also looking for high places where they can control everything from above.
In the market, you can find all varieties of beds and accessories for your cat. However, the feline will often leave aside this precious and expensive bed for a box with a blanket inside.
The nest? it is one of the essential elements for cats, especially if they live with other animals, because they will serve as a refuge, if they do not want to interact or want to rest completely without being disturbed.
In addition to the cat bed, you can offer complementary resting places. Learn how to make a cat network in this video:
The latest cat accessory is the scraper. This allows them, in addition to sharpening their nails, to exercise and mark the territory. If we do not provide a scratched area, they will look for it in our sofas, curtains, furniture, etc.
If we want the cat to use the scraper, it usually has to meet a number of requirements that all cats tend to prefer. First of all it should be located in one of the main areas of the house, if you leave it hidden in a corner your cat will look for another object to do the manicure.
In addition, it is convenient for the scraper to be high enough for the cat to stretch completely when used, and it should also be stable to prevent it from moving when the fur jumps over it. If we choose a scratch tower (or a feline residence) at various heights, this will serve as a gym and help the cat stay in shape, thus avoiding being overweight.
During the first days of the cat at home, avoid scolding it completely if you sharpen your nails on furniture or sofas. They need an adaptation process and punishments, as well as being very ineffective, can aggravate your relationship. It is best to try to distract and approach your cat using the above elements.
Learn more about the cat scraper in the channel video
In the market, we find many types of sanitary trays to choose from. Normally the choice will depend more on our cat than on us. Closed trays are very comfortable because they prevent odors and sand from escaping, but in some cases our cat will reject them because it usually prefers open trays.
Also, make sure the trays are low for easy entry and exit, and should be located in a quiet place, with no drafts and away from feeders and fountains.
It is important to have as many toilet buckets at home as there cats there are, plus an additional one. That is, if we live with two cats, the ideal is to have 3 sandboxes of sand. If there are multiple cats in a small apartment, it will not always be possible to have the ideal conditions. In this case, periodic cleaning will be essential if we do not want them to make their deposits in inappropriate places.
Transportation is a basic part of moving our cat safely. Even if we do not travel with him, we will need you to go to the vet, in case of removal or in case of emergency. It’s an indispensable security element.
So that our cat does not have a negative vision, it is ideal to leave the transport available as a place of rest or restoration, so it will be easier to enter when you need to make a veterinary visit. The animal can positively associate transportation, whether we leave prices for a tasty meal or their favorite toys. Using a soft blanket or pillow can also be very interesting.
For safe and comfortable transport it is better to be detachable, so it will be easier to transfer it to the veterinarian and we can clean it easily. In addition, it is recommended that they be rigid and plastic as they are safer in case of car accident and are easy to clean.
Cats are curious by nature and like to research, explore and discover new smells. If we live in apartments, we have to protect our windows because falls are much more frequent than we think. Paratrooper cat syndrome is an example.
Our cat won’t jump into the void for no reason, but it can try to chase something or just trip and fall, so it’s best to take precautions. Installing a mosquito net does not work, because they are not strong enough, it is necessary to opt for a specific mesh for these cases that can be found in many pet stores, making sure to install it correctly.
Last but not least, it is essential to talk about the enrichment that a feline needs, as well as its physical and mental stimulation. All of this will affect your emotional well-being and avoid behavioral problems.
The environmental enrichment of cats consists of several factors that will allow a better quality of life, such as visual or olfactory stimuli. The use of catnips, catwalks and cat structures is an example.
Our interaction is also important because the game allows them to socialize and exercise. Remember that cats do not have fun playing alone, so spending time each day playing with it can be very beneficial to stimulate it. We can use smart toys, food distribution toys, fishing rods or simply a massage and relaxation session. Find out how to play with cats in this very complete article.
Although cats are more independent than dogs, remember that they are very sociable animals and need to create bonds to be happy. Spend time with your four-legged companion and give him the best quality of life possible.
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