Taking Care of Your Cat

Tap to Read ➤ Anish Chandy

A cat can be an extremely lovable pet to have. However, taking care of this little bundle of fun and frolic can be a Herculean task. This article provides some pointers on how to go about it, especially when you bring your cat into the house for the first time.

Cats can be one of the most lovable and playful pets to have. They bring a sense of radiance to the house and fill it with joy. Surveys conducted in the past have documented that families with cats in their house score higher on the happiness index.

It isn't surprising that cats are the most preferred pets to keep by single occupants. However, keeping a cat at home means taking on a big responsibility. The health of the pet in the house is an indicator of the general health of the entire family.

Cat care begins the moment the animal is brought into the house. It should be introduced to its litter box as soon as possible, as this gives it a sense of comfort. It feels that it owns its little space in the world.

Children may be very keen to get friendly and play with the cat, but they must be told that the new member must be given time to settle down and get used to the place.

Another prospective problem is if there are any other pets in the house. A dog could be a problem because it is not possible to judge the reaction of the other animal towards the new entrant into its territory. It will be best served if the dog is kept on a leash initially and is properly introduced to the cat.

The family should be very clear about the coming and going policy for the pet before it arrives. They should decide if they will be comfortable with the pet going out of the house as it pleases or if it will be accompanied by a family member.

If the cat can leave and enter whenever it likes, it is imperative that a cat door is installed before the pet is brought into the house. Keep the door locked for the first few days. Open it once the cat gets accustomed to the place.

The feeding dish and water bowl must be easy to clean. Plastic and aluminum are the most popular choices. The design of the dish and bowl should be such that it is stable and does not keel over when a little pressure is applied.

Choosing the right litter box could be a tricky job because the cat will not like just any litter box that you offer. It has to feel and smell right. It could mean multiple trips to the local pet specialty retailer. The dimensions of the litter box must correspond to the size of the cat.

Kittens might find it difficult to get accustomed to big boxes. A litter pan could be used in this case. Once the cat grows up, the pan could be placed inside a litter box and removed after a while.

Cleaning the litter box is very important as an unclean one can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other insects. The usage of disinfectants could result in the cat never using it again because of the smell. Ideally, it should be scrubbed clean with soap and water.

Injuries can be minimized by clipping the cat's claws. However, this is not a simple task because there is a vein called the quick that grows in the claw. Cutting this would lead to bleeding. It must be done with a lot of care, using clippers that are recommended by the vet.

As a rule, cats are not very fond of water. If brushing and combing does not clean your pet, then the bath option is to be exercised.

While bathing, wet the cat from head to tail and then apply a pet shampoo recommended by the vet. Avoid getting foam in the eyes or ears. Rinse thoroughly so that none of the shampoo is left behind.

Dry with a clean towel and keep the animal indoors until it is completely dry. The cat should be combed regularly to avoid the occurrence of fleas. Combing powder can be used to separate hair that gets entangled with each other.

While traveling with your cat, the temperature inside the vehicle must be monitored and regulated to suit its needs. If your pet is exposed to extreme heat, it could suffer from serious health problems. Ventilation must always be there.

The choice of vet must be made prior to the arrival of the pet. Ideally, the vet should take personal interest in the cat, and must be situated at a convenient location in case of an emergency. It would help to go to the vet that is the most preferred by people living in the neighborhood.