Before you adopt a cat

If you're considering asking your family to adopt a cat, it's essential to understand some basic knowledge about cat care to ensure a happy companionship for both you and your future furry friend.

Feeding

• Quality Food: It’s recommended to purchase high-quality branded cat food. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best diet for adult cats or kittens. Factors such as age, activity level, and health status will influence what and how much your cat should eat.
  
  
• Taurine: Cats need taurine (an essential amino acid) to ensure heart and eye health. Choose a balanced diet throughout your cat's life cycle.
  
  
• Fresh Water: Provide fresh, clean water daily and wash the water bowl regularly.
  
  
• Treats: Treats should not exceed 5-10% of their diet.
  
  
• Baby Food Caution: Many people feed baby food to cats that refuse to eat or are unwell. Read labels carefully: if the baby food contains onion or garlic powder, it could be toxic to your pet.Veterinary Care: If symptoms like loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy persist for more than two days, take your pet to the veterinarian.
  
  
• Avoid Human Food: Do not feed your cat human food.

 

Grooming

Most cats will keep themselves clean and rarely need baths, but regular brushing or grooming is still necessary.

How to Hold a Cat

When picking up a cat, place one hand under their front legs and the other hand under their hind legs. Lift gently. Never grab a cat by the neck or front legs.

Living Space

Your pet should have a clean and dry place at home for sleeping and resting. Use a soft, warm blanket or towel in their bed, and keep bedding clean. Outdoor cats generally have shorter lifespans than indoor cats and are at greater risk of being attacked by cars, other cats, raccoons, or dogs, as well as being susceptible to fleas, ticks, and infectious diseases.

Litter Box

All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a quiet and accessible location. In multi-story homes, it's advisable to have one litter box per floor. Avoid moving the litter box unless absolutely necessary; if you must, move it just a few inches. Cats will not use a dirty or smelly litter box, so scoop out solid waste at least once a day, clean it weekly with a mild detergent, and replenish the litter. If using clumping litter, you may not need to clean the box weekly. When cleaning the litter box, avoid using ammonia, deodorizers, or fragrances, especially citrus. If your cat refuses to use the litter box, consult your veterinarian.

Scratching

Both adult cats and kittens enjoy scratching, which is a normal and necessary behavior that serves as a form of body language.

Main Reasons for Scratching

• Nail Maintenance: To remove old, worn-out sheaths and expose new claws.
  
  
• Exercise: Strengthening the muscles in their paws is an inherited survival instinct.
  
  
• Stress Relief: Long-term stress can lead to various health issues. Scratching can help cats relieve tension.
  
  
• Boredom: It helps pass the time.
  
  
• Marking Territory: Scratching is a way to mark their territory.

 

Health

Cats should visit the veterinarian for an annual check-up to monitor their health status.

 

Vaccinations

Veterinarians will recommend vaccinations based on the cat's age and health status.

Cat Care Preparation Checklist

• Quality cat food
  
• Food dish
  
• Water bowl
  
• Interactive toys
• Brush
• Comb
• Pet microchip
• Scratching post or board
• Litter box and litter
• Cat bed or a large cardboard box with a warm blanket or towel