If you’re a first time cat owner or are thinking of joining over 200 million cat parents (please adopt, don’t shop) then you know owning a cat (in reality, it’s the cat-owning you) is a huge responsibility and things can get overwhelming.. Sleeping Arrangements. Although your newly-adopted kitty will likely come home healthy and up-to-date on shots, plan to take him to the veterinarian for a little meet-and-greet once you get home. Many cats love playing or hiding inside boxes. Is your cat lonely? Cats that live primarily outdoors or both indoors and outdoors are subjected to risks like diseases from other cats or wild animals, vehicle traffic, dog or wild animal attacks, or … “A lot of vet hospitals and adoption centers use them to help relax cats in the clinic, boarding or rescue setting,” she says. If you follow all these steps, your cat should become, in no time, a “well adjusted feline family member.” So if you are owning a cat for the first time … She recommends that new cat owners provide a stimulating environment for your cat by giving them access to puzzle toys and plenty of interaction with you. If you’re a new cat owner searching for a way to try to stop late-night cat parties, try to play with your cat during the day. It was fascinating to observe the mysterious feline behaviors and watch the growth, interests, athletic abilities, eating patterns, play patterns, and sleeping patterns of cats, as well as the affectionate nature of cats. Are you a dog owner who plans to have a new baby? by Sam Salvati - 7/1/20. And be aware of where you place it.”. Our … So, you’ve finally decided to add a cat to the family. Some will climb into cabinets or squeeze in very tiny spaces. “They will chase bugs and mice. “They’re not trying to be naughty. Borns-Weil says she once laid a mat down on top of her … Work with your vet to rule out medical or … Congratulations! You can choose from canned, freeze-dried, dry or homemade recipes. These 10 tips will help you be a happy first time cat owner! For a more interactive dinner, Parsons recommends food puzzles that make cats work for their food as they would in the wild. Spaying or neutering will help prevent … “And it provides your feline friend with a happy vet visit that doesn’t involve any injections.”. Some can even leap high on your counters or on your book shelves. Mostly with their face, sometimes with their sides [and] rear. You don’t have to take your cat for daily walks, but that doesn’t mean he’s content to lounge on the couch all day. “They love to be on top of things and up high surveying down, where they feel most safe and comfortable,” says Borns-Weil. Hey Guys! Just like it’s important for people to know what they’re putting in their bodies, you should be vigilant when it comes to reading the nutrition labels on cat food. Corsun calls these nighttime antics the “zoomies.”. “If you buy your cat a scratching post and they still mark the couch, it’s probably that the couch is more significant, in a more prominent place in the house,” says Borns-Weil. “Take them down from the sink, put them down on the floor, give them a treat or extra attention. Litter tray or box. Corsun recommends new cat owners buy their cat a scratching post to give them a toy. Cats are truly fascinating animals. Why do they do this? 3. “You need to think about your lifestyle and match the cat’s tendencies to your lifestyle,” says Lana Fraley Rich, a Dallas-based cat behaviorist. She’s spotted glove toys with pom-poms attached on the fingers on store shelves and recommends avoiding them. You want to avoid and prevent.”. Hand play. If you’ve never had a cat before, you might assume you can simply buy a litter box, toss it in the basement and call it a day. Borns-Weil says intact males are more likely to engage in this behavior, but neutered cats do it, too. The next visit might be more hectic. If your home doesn’t have room for a cat tree, get creative with lookout points you already have, advises Rich. “They like to explore,” says Borns-Weil. “When they’re reaching up to scratch, they’re releasing stress in their shoulders and they’re leaving their scent.”. “They’ll hang out outside a hole or be ready to pounce. But what is flea dirt, really? … 6. Why Do My Kittens Sneeze And Have Watery Eyes. By: Chewy EditorialPublished: June 25, 2018, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: September 16, 2014, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: October 11, 2017, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: November 1, 2018, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: October 2, 2017, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: May 3, 2015. The Ultimate First-Time Cat Owner Guide Furry Friends. “The rule of thumb is one extra litter box [per] the number of cats in the house. Do you know how to cat-proof your house before kitty arrives? Find out the signs of kidney failure in cats and why cat kidney disease is so common among felines. Cats sleep a lot, but you don’t really have to provide them with a special bed. She suggests first-time cat owners give their cat boxes or bags to hide in. Just be patient, and let him get used to things at his pace. Consider buying a laser pointer, chasing toys, fishing toys or cat toys with feathers on the ends. “The cat will be happiest if you can provide an environment with your cat where it gets to do what cats do.”. Clear some space off a bookshelf, create a clear path to the top of the fridge, or … They’re going to make their own fun.”. You can’t stop your dog from chewing, but you can control what she chews. “The cat is naturally a nocturnal creature,” says Corsun. A Guide for First-Time Cat Owners. “Scent is very important to them,” says Corsun. Your Guide to the Best Dog Brushes to Groom Your Pet, Which 2021 Grammy-Nominated Artist Is Your Pet? But if you’re a first-time cat owner, be prepared for a few surprises. “This is a great way to get to know your vet before you need to know them,” says Parsons. In order to communicate best with our pets, we must learn the nuances of their body language and signaling. Cats can be prone to what new owners might describe as “weird behavior” (think: leaping up on counters, running wild in the dead of the night or playing in boxes). Be warned, first-time cat owners: You might want to close the door when you’re showering. Monica Weymouth is a writer, editor and certified Weird Animal Lady. Anything you and your cat will like to use to exercise their natural need to hunt, as long as it’s not encouraging bad behavior. That said, cats do require some special supplies, preparations and long-term considerations. It’s just that they’re having that kind of happy, positive bonding experience.”. Own… Yes, Please! There have been tons and tons of research and random YouTube videos sharing facts that state that having a cat reduces stress and basically helps keep your mind grounded most especially at times like these. This video is for all new cat owners! They won’t necessarily play with the things that you want them to play with. Congratulations! “When you think about getting a cat, you’re kind of living with a wild animal,” says Stephanie Borns-Weil, a veterinarian and a behaviorist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Pet Central explores possible causes of a kitten's sneezing and watery eyes, including conjunctivitis and feline herpes. If you don’t want them to do something, just don’t make it available to them. Corsun is responsible for about 550 cats at the shelter and currently has eight cats at home. “They’re at this stage in life where play is really important to them or their development. By: Teresa K. Traverse Most cats are climbers. If you have more questions about cat care, make a list of your concerns and … But if it’s a biological or genetic need, then you want to provide them with opportunities.”. Foods that are ideal for controlling your cat… Adopting a cat is a lot like dating—there’s a perfect match out there for everyone, but it helps to know what you’re looking for. Instead of leaving a full bowl for kitty to graze on at his leisure, work with your veterinarian to determine set meal portions and times. That’s just where they’re comfortable.”. We take pride in our research and may earn a commission for purchases made using our links. Cats are indeed independent by nature, but they're not quite able to take care of themselves. “You want to entirely discourage any kind of inappropriate play early on,” says Borns-Weil. Conclusion: Owning a Cat for the First Time. “Not all cats will stop eating when they’re full,” says Parsons. Take Our Quiz, Funny Feline Alert: These Are the Best Cat Videos of 2020, Cat Rescuer Sterling “TrapKing” Davis Wants You to Rethink Your Stereotypes About Cat Parents, A Literal Lifesaver: Debra Jo Chiapuzio Donates Pet Oxygen Masks to First Responders, This Instant Pot Dog-Friendly Stew Is All Kinds of Cozy, Ring in the New Year With This Alcohol-Free Calming Cat “Cocktail”, First Time Cat Owner? First-time cat owners have to be ready to play with their cats, says Borns-Weil. The decision to adopt your first cat is a monumental one, both for you and for your new cat. Read Our Ultimate Guide for New Cat Owners, What Is Flea Dirt? The first item in your new kitten checklist should be food. Don’t base your decisions on the cute kitties in the cat food commercials. “Provide natural places where they can hide. PetMD shares 10 tips for cat owners: 1. First time cat owner guide Things to get for your new cat or kitten before you bring them home. Teresa K. Traverse is a Phoenix-based writer, editor, traveler and dog mom to Chihuahuas Autumn and Rocket. What to Do or Say When a Friend's Pet Passes Away. Here is our first time cat owner… Clear some space off a bookshelf, create a clear path to the top of the fridge, or install some cat-specific wall shelving. If you’d prefer your cat not do this, you can cover the sinks when you’re not at home or you can try training them using positive reinforcement. So, I created the ultimate guide to relieve your new cat owner … Cats also urine mark just like dogs do. How to really be there during this difficult time. 2. In the wild, cats climb trees to safely observe their surroundings. Researching and choosing … But rest assured, these behaviors are typical. The Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook. If your home doesn’t have room for a cat tree, get creative with lookout points you already have, advises Rich. Cats acclimate at different paces, some getting comfortable in only a few days, others staying skittish for a few weeks. There’s no such thing as a cat who doesn’t scratch. It’s easy to rotate those items and you won’t have to pay for them. It’s usually referred kneading, or “making muffins,” since it resembles this. Avoid any high-traffic or noisy areas of the home (if their designated bathroom isn’t peaceful, cats will find a more comfortable place to attend to business), Parsons says. Some cats may need training to associate waste with this location, and others may avoid using the litter box due to other health issues. Our feline friends make excellent roommates—they’re great listeners, exceptionally tidy and rarely hog the remote. In order to make it a smooth relationship, you need to know what are the first time cat owner checklist.. To ensure that your cat is properly cared for, take some time to study the best cat … Learn to identify it–and get rid of it–right here. They have a high need for interaction and stimulation and predatory play.”. Find out about the process of spaying a... Help diagnose your sick dog by understanding common dog flu and dog cold symptoms. Needless to say, I have never looked back. “For a scratching post to work, it should be one that shreds up.”. “Cats have a natural need to scratch and release tension,” says Rich. Fiercely independent, strong-willed, and intelligent, they are also very loving and affectionate. This would be a mistake—although they are generally easy-going roomies, cats can be picky about their bathrooms. If your cat spends the first couple weeks hiding under your bed, don’t worry. or if your just interested in learning about taking care of a cat. 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