101 of Becoming a Responsible Cat Parent

We understand that becoming a new cat parent can be overwhelming and confusing, so with this blog, we aim to make your life a bit easier.

Responsible Cat Parent

Cats are the cutest and funniest animals, with their adorable little faces, tiny paws, and funny expressions. They are so lovable and independent, and they easily adapt to living in a household. However, like any other animals, cats need care and affection from their human parents. We understand that becoming a new cat parent can be overwhelming and confusing, so with this blog, we aim to make your life a bit easier.

7 Tips for Responsible Cat Parenting

1. Cat-Proof Your House

Cats are curious animals and will chase after any wiggly thing in your house. In order to keep them safe and unharmed, you need to hide certain items or keep them out of reach. These items include:

  • Toxic plants like Oleander, Peace Lily, Tulip, Spanish Thyme, and more
  • Cleaning products
  • Medications
  • Toxic foods like onions & garlic, raw eggs & meat, chocolate, alcohol, grapes, and raisins.
  • Electronic cables and chargers
  • Sharp objects like knives and nails
  • Decorative items including lights and tinsel

[Also Read] Food That Can Cause Poisoning in Dogs

2. Provide a Comfortable Space

The best way to help your cat adapt to your home is to provide a comfortable spot or a room with its essentials. This includes its litter box, food bowl, and water. With a spot of its own, your cat will feel safe and relaxed, especially when you have other pets at home.

3. Buy a Scratching Pad

Scratching is a normal and instinctive behavior in cats. Cats scratch for many reasons, such as to express their emotions like excitement and stress, to mark scents (as they have scent glands in their paws), to remove dead nails, or simply to stretch their muscles. Scratching for cats is a healthy and instinctive behavior, so you should not aim to eliminate it. However, to save your furniture, carpet, or valuable items, you must invest in a scratching pad.

Cats prefer scratching sturdy and tall things, which is why they scratch sofas and chairs. Scratching poles with sisal rope makes a good scratching choice. There are also several other scratchers, such as scratcher toys, corrugated cardboard, wall-mounted scratchers, and 3-sided vertical scratchers. Initially, place the scratching pad at a spot where your cat usually scratches, near furniture or your belongings.

4. Flea, Tick & Worm Prevention

If you are becoming a new cat parent, you should be aware of the harmful parasites that can make your pet’s life miserable. Furry pets like cats are likely to get infected with fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms, which can affect their internal organs and cause lifetime damage. Monthly parasite preventive treatment is the optimal way to keep your cat safe from the harm of these parasites. Wormers and flea and tick preventives come in various forms, including chewable, tablets, spot-on solutions, and collars, shampoos, and injectables.

Some of the reliable brands of monthly parasite treatments include Advantage, Advantage Multi, Bayopet Cat Collar, Bravecto Plus, Bravecto Spot-On, Capstar, and Credelio.

5. Keep Nutrition in Check   

Don’t just rush to buy food for your cat. Make sure you purchase intently by checking the pack label and ingredients. Purchase all natural food products that are free from harmful preservatives, artificial colors and flavors. Your cat’s diet must include a high amount of protein for its health and vitality. Thus, ensure to feed high protein food like chicken, fish and protein-rich vegetables.

Make eating more enjoyable for your cat by providing both dry and wet food. You can either choose to give combination of these or as separate meals. Provide fresh drinking water at all times and refill their water bowls every few hours to keep your feline hydrated.

Every cat is different and their choices of food may also change. There is also a chance that some food ingredients in the food pack may not suit your cat and may result into diarrhea or vomiting. If so, consult your veterinarian or try changing the cat food.

6. Make your Cat Happy With Toys  

Cats love to play. There are numerous types of toys available for cats from strings, and balls to tiny springs and mice, cats love them all. Investing in some cool toys will not only make them happy but will keep them active as well.

7. Maintain Litter Hygiene

Keeping the litter box clean is good for both you and your cat. Firstly, it is easier to clear daily waste compared to removing gunk over several days. Furthermore, cats like to eliminate waste in clean spaces. They will hold their waste that can affect their bladder and kidney in the long run. Cats can also choose to eliminate at a spot in your house. Clean litter will also reduce bad odor and eliminate the risk of disease transmission from cats to humans.

Summary

Being a responsible cat parent involves cat-proofing your house, providing a comfortable space, investing in a scratching pad, ensuring parasite prevention, and checking your cat’s nutrition. By following these practices, you can ensure that your feline friend is safe, healthy, and happy in their new home.