7 Things Every Cat Owner Should Know 

We all love cats for their unique personalities and mischievous behavior, don’t we? There’s nothing better than being around cats, whether it’s their cute meows or their adorable naughtiness. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

As a first-time cat owner, you won’t know much about their behavior or how things will turn out. You would think of ways to turn your home into a welcoming space so your cat doesn’t feel left out.

So to make things easy for you, we have listed seven crucial aspects every cat owner should know. Let us look at each of them and learn the essentials that can make all the difference in your cat’s life.

1. Proper Nutrition and Diet

A healthy diet is something that every living being needs on a day-to-day basis. Similarly, cats need meat to survive. So ensure your cat gets to eat high-quality food that’s suitable for its age and activity level.

Meat is the main source of nutrients for cats. But that doesn’t mean that they should only consume meat. Meat should only be a part of the diet because consuming meat alone won’t help and isn’t a healthier option.

According to experts, cats need about 40% to 50% protein. Other recent studies have also shown that cats without a bare minimum of 40% protein in their diets have lost their weight drastically, which isn’t good either. So make sure to plan the diet accordingly with the right balance of taurine, fatty acids, and Thiamine in their food.

2. Hydration and Water Consumption

Keep your cat hydrated with plenty of water. Make sure their water bowl is always clean and fresh. 

When we talk about cats, they usually tend to consume less water than they should. So, the best thing that you can do to encourage your cat to drink water is to use filtered water bowls and place water bowls in different parts of your house. At Least two water bowls, if not for more.

Cats need water to stay healthy, just like us. So, by encouraging them to drink water, you can decrease their chances of succumbing to certain diseases. You may even want to consider a cat fountain if your cat is more likely to enjoy running water.

3. Look for Signs of Illness

Cats are good at hiding discomfort, so owners must be watchful. A subtle change in behavior or health could mean trouble. Watch for signs such as a sudden appetite change, a change in drinking habits, frequent urination, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight changes, breathing issues, sudden changes in activity levels, weird behavior, etc.

Another thing to watch out for is the presence of blood in your cat’s urine or stool. The reasons could be anything. But the possible reasons for noticing blood could be injuries, parasites, food intolerance, blood clotting disorders, etc. If you notice blood in your cat’s urine or stool, seek veterinary care immediately. Detecting and treating early makes a huge difference.

4. Litter Box 

A litter box that’s clean and well-maintained is crucial for your cat’s comfort and hygiene.

In general, every cat should have one litter box and one extra box. You can also try different combinations in terms of litter. But most importantly, place the litter box away from noisy places. 

Speaking of cleaning the litter, deep clean your cat’s litter frequently or at least once a week.

5. Regular Veterinary Checkups

You need to get in touch with a fine Veterinarian and make sure to schedule an annual checkup. And for older cats, it’s better to get it examined twice a year. This mainly helps with two things.

• You’ll get to know if your pet’s vaccine is up to date.
• Getting a thorough checkup and a blood test done periodically is an ideal way to identify health issues on time since cats tend to hide their illness symptoms as mentioned earlier.

It is important to note that annual checkups are necessary for cats even if they seem healthy from the outside. Research shows that nearly  3% of cats have been diagnosed with diseases like FLUTD which is only possible to detect, if you take your cat to frequent veterinary checkups. Veterinarians are the ideal ones who can check your cat’s eyes, ears, skin, teeth, etc., and can detect any potential health issues.

6. Grooming

Regular grooming and brushing your cat’s fur is one of the most important parts of managing your cat’s wellbeing. Brushing your cat’s fur will make it easy for you to get rid of the loose hair. Moreover, grooming and brushing are habits cats need to get used to. The more you groom your pet and keep it clean, the better it adapts to it.  

Another important thing you must remember is that your cat’s grooming mostly depends on the kind of fur. The ones with short fur/hair need to be brushed once every 7 days, and the cats with longer hair need to be brushed and groomed daily.

Similarly, when it comes to bathing, if your cat is smelling bad, then it’s time to get a quick bath. If you notice that your kitty’s teeth are dirty or there is a tartar formation, consult an experienced vet for a professional cleanup.

7. Get Your Cat Spayed or Neutered

Keeping your cat healthy and happy is an integral part of your pet care routine. Spaying or neutering prevents unwanted litter, which can clog the shelter and lead to euthanasia. 

Additionally, it helps prevent certain kinds of cancer, like mammary cancer in female cats.

Final Thoughts

Cat ownership can be a rewarding experience if you understand the ins and outs of cats. We’ve explored seven fundamental aspects that every cat owner should consider. However, your cat’s well being depends on your awareness and quick responses.

So, pay attention to subtle changes in their behavior and health, and don’t underestimate the importance of seeking professional help.

Lastly, please drop your comments in the comment section and let us know what you think of our tips and how they helped you.