Owning a cat is a great experience. They make great pets and companions. However, there are several things that you will need to know about raising your cat as a first-time cat owner. Here are a few tips to help you get started when owning your first feline friend.
- Be Patient
When you first bring your new cat home, be sure that you are patient with him or her. Cats will always be a bit apprehensive in their new homes. They may run and stay hidden for a while and may even have an accident for the first few days. You must remain patient and understanding until the cat adjusts to his or her surroundings.
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- Providing Entertainment
A bored cat is a destructive cat. Cats love to play and get into mischief. You should have a wide variety of toys to play with. They love toy mice, especially if they are infused with catnip. Jingly balls and cat trees should also be considered. The more you give your cat to do, the less trouble they will get into.
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- Ensuring No Litter Box Smells
The worse thing that comes with owning cats is the litter box. A litter box can get stinky very quickly. You must clean the litter box out at least twice a day to ensure that you remove all the waste. If you get more than one cat, you may want to consider cleaning it every time they go in. Cat urine smells can quickly overpower your house, and there is nothing much that can cover that smell up. Another tip you should do is make sure that you get a better cat litter made with silica. This will help to cut down on offensive cat odors. Getting quality cat litter can make all the difference when it comes to owning a cat.
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- Cat Training
You have probably heard people say that it is impossible to train a cat. While it can be difficult, it must be done. An untrained cat can wreak havoc on your home. Your furniture will be in tatters, walls will be scratched, and they will always be up on the kitchen counter. The best way to train a cat is to use a water bottle. Cats hate being sprayed with water, and it is a great non-invasive way to punish them. Cats will quickly learn that if they do something naughty, they get the spray bottle. If you have cats that will not stay off your furniture, consider taping balloons to the furniture. After a couple of pops from the balloon, they will be terrified to climb up on your furniture.
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- Feeding Them Well
You will want to make sure that you are feeding your cat the proper nutrition. Look for cat food that is geared toward the age of your cat. If you have a young kitten, you will want to ensure that you feed them kitten kibble. Older cats can benefit from senior cat food. You should speak to your vet to determine the best cat food for your cat. Also, consider getting your cat treats. Cats love a good treat, and it can be an excellent training tool.
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Having cats in your home is a great way to have a companion and avoiding having rodents in your home. If you follow the above tips, you will have no issues raising your cat and keeping them happy.
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