Getting a new cat is always exciting. However, taking care of it can be a hassle if you don’t get the proper instructions, especially when you’re a beginner. Follow these detailed guidelines to take appropriate care of your new pet cat.
- Schedule an Initial Appointment With the Veterinarian.
Get an initial appointment with the vet as soon as you have brought the cat home to ensure that the cat is all right and does not have a health issue. It is essential to get your cat to the vet occasionally. Also, get the necessary precautions to remove flea/ tick from your cat or to prevent it.
Ask the vet whether neutering or spaying would be appropriate for your cat’s current condition if it’s not done already. It’s a step that you can take to ensure your cat’s overall health safety and reduce the number of homeless cats.
You can also groom your cat by hiring some professional cat grooming service, you can also check for cat grooming in Columbus, Ohio, they are best in cat grooming service.
- Develop a Feeding and Littering Schedule.
Developing Food Habit
Make your cat develop a habit of timely eating and littering. Measure the amount of food your cat may need per day and portion accordingly for each meal. Free feeding is not a reasonable consideration for your cat. It may lead your cat to be overweight or underweight.
So, make a feeding schedule that matches best with your daily routine. The amount of food that the cat will need is given on the cat’s food packaging. The number of meals your cat may take per day may vary upon the age and weight of your cat. So, please give it a look before you serve the cat food.
- A grown-up cat needs one large meal per day. Though you can give it 2 to 3 small meals as well.
- A kitten between 3 to 6 months needs to be fed three times a day.
- A kitten, six weeks to 2.5 months old, needs to be fed four times a day.
Except for the daily meal, give your cat treats that will provide it with assurance for the new environment. For example, give it a midday snack if its feeding schedule is in the morning and evening. However, don’t make it a regular thing.
Also check– Best Cat Litter boxes
Developing Littering Habit
Make the cat develop a habit to litter in its littering box. Scoop the litter box regularly. And give it a deep clean every week with warm water and soap using a brush. However, depending on the type of litter box your cat uses and how often it is used, you may need to clean it more often. Change the litter every week when you wash the container and dry it thoroughly before putting new litter in it.
- Groom Your Cat.
Cats are fastidious animals. They groom themselves for one-third of the time they are awake. However, they still need extra care to untangle and brush their fur, clip the nails, or have some head scratches. The cats with long hair need regular brushing, where the hairless breed barely need brushing once a week.
- Use a Carrier to Transport Your Pet.
Cats are homely animals. They don’t like traveling. Use a carrier for your cat to transport it from one place to another to make it feel safe. Make the base comfortable with a blanket. And it’s a better way to prevent your cat from running away.
- Play Regularly With Your Cat.
At first, your cat will be a little timid and need time to get used to the environment. Play regularly with your cat. Offer it some treats.
- Keep Your Cat Under Observation.
Do not let the cat go outside alone and let it play with the street cats as your pet may get diseases from them. There is also a high chance of it getting injured.
Final Words
You need to take good care of your pet if you don’t want it to get sick. Proper care, occasional visits to the vet, regular playing with your cat, and creating a comfortable environment are some of the most important things to maintain when you have a cat as a pet.