have you had a I dream of cats? If these animals are one of your favorites, you should know first-hand that they are favorite pets. And not only within homes, they have also taken over the internet. So there are lots of funny cat videosin addition to cat jokes in the whole network. But, if you already want to have one at home, there are certain things you should know before adopting a cat. đș
The first important thing to know before adopting a cat is that they are the ones adopting you. The cat must accept you, so that the coexistence between the two flows harmoniously. It is a process that involves a lot of learning and responsibility, to give your little cat the care and love it deserves.
Join us in Supercurious, today we want to tell you some advice from an expert in these pets, Sharon Weller, from the British rescue center Battersea Dogs & Cats Homeabout what to know before adopting a cat.
15 things to know before adopting a cat
It is no secret to anyone that cats were worshiped in Ancient Egypt. This due to its qualities. And it is that the curiosities of cats present us with an enigmatic and charming animal, whose personality can be as surly as it is affectionate. Unlike dogs, Cats are independent beings, who defend their autonomy and do not usually go after the owner in search of affection.
1. Know its origin
Although it may sound a bit obvious, this is one of the important things to know before adopting a cat. It is important that you know where your cat comes from, that little animal that you want to add to your family, if it comes from a pet store, a rescue center or a family. Find out if he has his full vaccinations, what his history is and take him to a trusted vet.
In addition to this, you should know other issues around our feline friends, such as what cat whiskers are for or why cats purr.
2. Using the litter box
It is well known that cats, unlike dogs, are quite hygienic and very self-sufficient. In this sense, you can forget about the regulatory walks, but if it is important that you train your cat to use the litter box to relieve itself. It is a habit that felines incorporate very easily and naturally. For your part, you must fulfill the responsibility of cleaning it periodically.
3. Feeding cats
The issue of food is another aspect to know before adopting a cat. If you’ve ever had a pet dog, you’ve probably been tempted to feed it some of your own food. But with cats this is not recommended. Ideally, you should offer your feline pet the right food, which is generally gatarina or canned cat food.
This will ensure that he stays healthy, at a good weight and with his shiny coat. If you opt for the dry food option, keep in mind that it tends to make them very thirsty, so it is also convenient that they have a continuous and fresh supply of water.
4. Give him time to get used to
When adopting a cat and bringing it home, you must give it time to get used to each space and to other pets, if any. Sharon Weller, from the Cat and Dog Rescue and Fostering Center Battersea Dogs & Cats Homesuggests keeping him in one room for the first few hours, with water, food and a litter box, and letting him explore the rest of the house in the following days, and at his own pace.
5. Know your cat
Just like people, animals also have their own way of being. There is a general idea that cats are surly and independent, but there are also affectionate ones, the kind that love hugs and pampering.
Give yourself the time to get to know the essence of your cat, what it is like, what it likes and what makes it feel good. If he is affectionate, your cat will soon show you that he loves you with his gestures. You can even learn to interpret his sounds. If you add the kitten to your home as a child, try to get him used to petting with subtlety.
6. Determine if your cat is indoor or outdoor
Another vital aspect to know before adopting a cat is its nature around the home. There are cats that prefer to stay indoors all the time. Many are skittish or nervous in temperament, and do not like change or novelty. Others, on the other hand, cannot live without spending time outside, to the point of adopting neurotic behaviors if you insist on keeping them locked up. inside houses and apartments. Know how your cat is in this sense, to reach a point where it feels good.
7. Stimulate the intelligence of your feline
It is well known that cats are cunning animals and lovers of challenges. Even the battle that tries to figure out who is smarter, dogs or cats, is classic. The reality to know before adopting a cat is that They are animals that need constant challenges for their body and brain, especially if they spend most of their body at home. Give him balls, traps combined with the food dispenser, and spaces to jump on the wall. They love to sleep, but they also need exercise and activity.
8. Reverse psychology for surly cats
Why not apply a bit of reverse psychology to your cat’s socialization with your environment? If the cat is shy with friends and neighbors, and you want it to interact a little more with them, instruct them not to search for or pet it. On the contrary, ignore it! Perhaps this way you can get the cat itself to initiate the approach.
9. What happens to adult cats?
Generally, when we talk about what to know before adopting a cat, we think of small kittens. But adopting an adult cat is not a disadvantage at all. This can also be a very affectionate animal and, having his character established, you know that he will not change his temperament, as can happen with young cats.
10. Is it a good idea to adopt two cats?
If you are one of those people who adore cats, and you want to add a pet to keep you company, but you usually spend most of your time away from home, it may be a good idea to adopt two cats. The work they will generate for you will be similar: adequate food, a clean litter box and lots of love. By being together, they can keep each other company while you’re gone. They tend to grow very well together.
11. And if you already have a cat at home… Should you add another?
In this sense, it is usually much easier when the two cats are young and arrive together at the new home. When this is the case, they keep each other company on an equal footing. But it is not ruled out that you adopt a new cat when you already have one at home. If you decide on this option, try to find a small kitten, to prevent rivalries and competitions between two adult cats. Try to be at home as much time as possible during the first days of adaptation. Feline behavior and language will give you signs about how they are getting along.
12. And the combination between cats and dogs?
It adds to the factors to know before adopting a cat, that of its coexistence relationship with dogs. Sometimes we are lucky that the animals understand each other wonderfully, but other times they compete and can even attack each other.
If you will adopt both animals at the same time, make sure that they are both puppies, so they will get used to seeing each other and living together. If the cat is already at home when you bring the dog, it is very important that the dog is a puppy. In this case, the cat can feel his space invaded. He sees to it that their play areas, food and sleep are maintained. Generally in this duo the feline dominates.
In this regard, it would also be useful for you to find out why cats don’t obey and dogs do.
13. The neighbors’ cats
Another aspect to know before adopting a cat is to consider the environment in which it will move. If you live in a neighborhood where there are other cats, and yours is one of those who loves to go out and experience their freedom, Ideally, you should accompany him on his first excursions in the area. That way you can verify that the interaction with other cats is not violent.
14. Kittens in shelters
If your love for cats is true, but you still can’t adopt one because you don’t have the required conditions in your home, or for reasons of personal time, Do not forget that you can also support animals that are in shelters with your help or affection, in rescue centers or even on the streets. Sometimes for these little ones, a simple caress or a bit of food can make a momentous difference.
15. The health of your cat
And to close this list of things to know before adopting a cat, It is essential that you inform yourself about the basic issues that concern your health. Details about feeding, coat care, exercise, vaccinations and knowledge about the main feline diseases are the tools that will help you offer your feline an optimal quality of life.
And don’t forget something that we were told as children and that should be repeated: a pet is not a toy, it is a living being, a responsibility, and beyond that, another member of our family. If you love cats like we do, don’t miss this selection of the best cat phrases, and it is that, as the teacher said Leonardo da Vinci, “The smallest feline, is a masterpiece.”