Starting the Cat Ownership Journey: 10 tips for new cat owners

Bringing a new feline friend into your home is a joy, but it also comes with responsibilities and a learning curve. As a new cat parent, there are some key points that can enrich your journey and ensure the health of your furry companion. Let’s dive into these important insights that will help you navigate the exciting world of cat ownership.

1.Understand your cat's behavior and habits

Understanding cat behavior and developing habits is a basic tip. If you don’t pay attention to this tip, you will be in endless trouble.

Vaccinations should be done regularly. Kittens should be vaccinated with Miaosanduo vaccine when they are 8 weeks old, once every 4 weeks, for a total of 3 shots.

If necessary, antibodies can be tested after 21 days.

After that, the vaccine will be administered once a year. Remember to keep the vaccine booklet. It is recommended to go to the hospital for vaccination. Generally, the hospital will keep a file and remind you regularly.

Deworm regularly, deworm once a month, it is recommended to deworm on the 1st day, it is easier to remember. Common anthelmintic drugs: Aiwalker, Hailemiao, and Bioline. You need to choose the specifications according to your body weight.

Brush your teeth regularly, 2-3 times a week. If you have time and your cat cooperates, you can brush it every day.

Cut your nails regularly, once a week.

For bathing, the cat can be bathed once a month.

Cat litter, change cat litter once every week. You can choose environmentally friendly and healthy cat litter to try to ensure the health of your cat’s living environment. For example, tofu cat litter, grain cat litter, etc.

Wash the cat litter box every 2 weeks.

Also understand that cats have unique behaviors that may seem mysterious at first glance. Become familiar with feline body language, vocalizations, and common behaviors such as kneading, grooming, and scratching. This insight will deepen your connection with your cat and enhance communication.

2.Nutritional requirements

Nutritional needs are the basic needs of any living thing. Mastering the tips for cat nutritional needs can help you take better care of your cat's health more accurately.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they eat primarily meat. Provide high-quality cat food that meets their nutritional needs and ensures a balance of protein, fat and essential nutrients. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your cat's specific needs.

Choose high-quality food, high-quality cat food standards

Protein content: >30% for kittens and >26% for adult cats.

Crude fat content: 10%-20%. Cats that are too high may become obese.

The ideal calcium to carbon ratio is 1-1.2:1.

Contains other trace elements.

Premium Canning Standard

The meat recipe is clear and scientific.

Protein>8%, fat 5%~8%.

If the cat is fat, it is better to choose ≤5%. The total content ratio of grains and plant formulas is <4%. It is recommended to choose no more than 3 types of grain-free vegetables. No more than 2 types of cereals and legumes. Does not contain carrageenan and other glues, preservatives, feed attractants and other unnecessary additives.

Cat snacks, the source of the meat formula is clean and clear. The total content of cereals and plant formulas is <4%. You can choose canned snacks with high water content.

Ensure adequate drinking water. The formula for cat drinking water = per 1KG*55ml. For example: a 5KG cat needs 55*5=275ml of water per day. Generally speaking, every 3 pounds of body weight produces one urine ball. There are probably 2-3 urine balls in 10 pounds. If your cat does not have enough urine balls, it means it is dehydrated~

How to make your cat drink more water?

Freeze-dry and soak in water.

Change basins and bowls.

Create a living water source...

3.Proper Veterinary Care

Mastering certain beneficial care tips will allow you to detect your cat’s health problems in time.

Regular veterinary checkups are vital to your cat's health. Vaccinations, parasite preventive treatments, and dental care are important parts of a comprehensive health care routine. Early detection of any health problem can lead to more effective treatment.

4.Key points for cat litter box

Taking good care of the litter box can create a cleaner and safer environment for cats. This tip will benefit you a lot.

Cats are very meticulous about their toilet habits. Choose the right cat litter, place the litter box in a quiet and easily accessible area, and scoop litter regularly to keep it clean. This will create a positive and hygienic environment for your cat.

When choosing a cat litter box, choose a simple one at first, as you don’t need to consider too many functions. Choose an open litter box for cats that have just been brought home. For multi-cat households, litter boxes should be prepared with "number of cats + 1", that is, 3 litter boxes for 2 cats.

The cat litter box should be placed in a hidden, ventilated and dry location.

Cat litter box cleaning, the cat litter box needs to be cleaned in time. Clean the cat litter once a week. Wash the cat litter box every 2 weeks. You can use some pet disinfectant for cleaning.

If your cat sometimes poops and urinates, it does not necessarily mean that the litter box is not clean, but it is caused by disease. Such as urinary diseases, etc. It is recommended to give priority to checking to rule out health problems.

5.Enrichment and play

Cats are naturally playful and curious. Provide toys, scratching posts, and opportunities for mental stimulation. Engaging in interactive play can strengthen the bond between you and your cat, which is essential for their physical and mental health.This tip will deepen your relationship with your cat and make you more like a pair of partners.

6.Grooming habits

Mastering this habit tip will prevent your home from being scratched by cats. The cat’s living environment has also become tidier.

Depending on the breed, your cat may require varying degrees of grooming. Regular brushing can help prevent tangles and reduce shedding. Also, check your cat's ears, teeth, and nails regularly to make sure they stay in good condition. Recommended essentials - cat scratching post.

Prevent cats from damaging furniture while stretching your cat's muscles. Prepare toys for cats.

Common: sisal/straw/cardboard/carton. Common cat toys, cat teasing sticks, and ball toys.

Note: Do not choose a ball that is too small. If any small items fall off, be sure to put them away in time to avoid accidental swallowing.

7.Safe indoor environment

A safe indoor environment will allow you to eliminate potential safety hazards for cats. This may not be considered a tip, but it must be done.

Create a safe, enriched indoor environment for your cat. Secure windows and balconies, remove poisonous plants, and keep harmful materials out of reach. A safe and stimulating environment will contribute to your cat's happiness and well-being.

8.Identification and tracking chips

Installing identification and tracking chips on cats can prevent the cat from being found. This is a tip that many new cat owners ignore.

Cats may sometimes venture outdoors when accidents occur. Make sure your cat has proper identification, such as a collar with an ID tag. Consider a microchip as an extra layer of protection in case your cat gets lost.

9.Socialization

Cats also have their own social needs. If you often let your cat meet different people or other cats, some good changes will occur in its personality. This tip is something that novice cat owners should master.

Gradually introduce your cat to different people, environments, and experiences. Positive socialization helps prevent fear or aggression and helps develop your cat's well-being and confidence.

10.Patience and love

Be patient and loving towards your cat. This tip will make it easier for you to get along with your cat.

Building a strong bond with your cat takes time. Be patient, observe their preferences, and shower them with love and affection. Understanding and respecting your cat's personality will lay the foundation for rewarding companionship.

Embarking on the journey of cat parenthood is an enjoyable adventure filled with love, joy, and the occasional funny antics. By embracing these important insights, you'll be fully prepared to provide the best care for your new feline friend and create lasting memories together.