Here is everything you need to know about raising your new Scottish Fold or British Shorthair cat or kitten if you are a first-time pet parent!
If you are a new cat or kitten owner, you probably have many questions about caring for your new friend. As you may already know or will soon find out, cats are so many things: fun, playful, independent, loving, curious, smart, and often very entertaining. Since you’re online seeking information about cat care, your pet is lucky to have a caring owner.
Cats are easy pets to care for and are relatively low maintenance. Once you’re familiar with the basics of feeding, litter boxes, grooming, general health, and safety, all you have to do is love and enjoy your cat.
1. Feed your cat healthy food.
2. Food dishes and water bowls.
3. Have a litter box ready.
4. Brush your cat regularly.
5. Trimming your cat’s claws.
6. Enjoy playtime!
7. Invest in a scratching post or scratcher.
8. A place to sleep & nap.
9. Have treats on hand.
10. Purchase a cat carrier.
11. Brush your cat’s teeth.
12. Find a good veterinarian.
13. Teach children how to treat your cat.
14. Pet poison control hotline
15. Keep your cat enclosed.
The food you choose has a big impact on your cat’s overall health, so you’ll want to make sure you’re feeding him or her something nutritious. Cats should eat cat food to be healthy. Dog food or even a can of tuna doesn’t provide complete nutrition. If you adopt a kitten or a cat with health issues, or if your cat is overweight, underweight, or a senior, it’s best to let your breeder or veterinarian help you select the right food.
Most cats sleep a lot during the day, so give yours a comfortable place to rest. This could be a cozy cat bed or just a soft blanket of his own. Some prefer sunny, warm spots to sleep; others want to hide away in someplace dark and private. Notice where your pet sleeps most often and put the bed in that area. The BEST place is a cat tree, the taller, the better! Cats love to be up high and most cat trees come with sleeping platforms, hammocks, and cubbies. They also serve as a scratching post!
It’s good to keep a bag of treats around to reward your cat. Look for these wherever you buy cat food. There are many flavors to choose from: chicken, fish, beef, cheese, salmon, tartar control, and even catnip. Cat Grass Many cats love fresh cat grass. This can be found at some pet or health food stores, or you can purchase a kit and grow it yourself. It takes just a few days to grow, and it’s fun watching your pet enjoy it.
Carriers are essential for vet visits, travel, or in case you ever need to leave your home in an emergency. They come in many sizes and price ranges. Look for one that gives your cat enough room to fit comfortably with some room on each side to move around. For large cats, find a large or extra-large carrier or a dog carrier.
It may seem strange to brush a cat’s teeth, but it’s something you should do to prevent all sorts of health problems caused by poor dental health. This is primarily caused by the domestic cat diet. Bad teeth, plaque, and gingivitis can cause bacteria in the mouth that can affect major organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart, causing serious health problems. If you start brushing from the start, you can prevent these problems. All you need is a cat toothbrush kit, available in pet stores or your vet’s office. You can also ask your vet about a drinking water additive that helps prevent plaque formation. Cat toothbrush kits usually include a rubber brush that looks like a thimble, a small toothbrush, and an enzymatic toothpaste. It might take some time for both you and your cat to get used to teeth brushing, but after a little practice, it’ll get easier.
If you don’t already have a veterinarian for other pets, talk with people you know for suggestions of good vets in your area. You may want to meet the vet first to make sure they have good credentials, are competent, knowledgeable, and charge reasonable prices. Also, look for someone near your home and easy to get to in case of an emergency. Your vet will advise you about how often your cat or kitten needs to be seen for check-ups and vaccinations. When you do go to the vet, bring a list of any questions you have about your pet and its health. Your vet is a valuable ally in keeping your new friend healthy. As long as they’re well cared for, felines can live long, healthy lives. A nutritious diet and regular veterinary care can prevent many health problems. Monitor Your Cat Closely Cats can be very good at hiding signs of illness, so watch for any changes in their eating, drinking, litter box habits, or activity level. Ask your vet about any concerns to be safe.
If you have young children in the home, teach them how to treat your cat with care and respect. Some children may not know that they shouldn’t pull a cat’s tail or play with it too roughly. Teach them how to gently pet the cat and to give it its space when it’s eating or resting.