You’re thinking of adopting a cat. It’s been a while since you’ve owned one — or this is your first ever time — and you want to know how to do it right.
The fact you’re asking these questions means you care very deeply about your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Cats and dogs remain the most popular domesticated animals in the United States, beloved as sources of comfort and even supplements to therapy. Keeping your cat’s health sound means adopting a proactive attitude. Just like us, cats need regular check-ups, daily exercise, and plenty of love if they’re to thrive. From kitten to adulthood, your new friend will teach you just as much about yourself.
Try these simple tips on for size so you can usher your cat into your life seamlessly.
Did You Know?
Here are some interesting facts you might not know about cats in the United States. According to recent estimates, over 38 million households own at least one cat (and often several). Cats are popular in several countries for their minimal upkeep, clean behavior, and wonderful sense of humor. Is it any wonder they took the Internet by storm? Learning how to introduce a cat to a dog or spot dental problems early are good habits that will come with practice.
Taking Your Cat To The Veterinarian Regularly
It can’t be stressed enough the importance of taking your cat to the vet regularly. While it’s important to be able to spot health problems on your own, the 24 hour vet will have resources you still don’t have. Veterinarians today suggest twice yearly check-ups for older pets, while younger pets are generally fine with once per year. Make a note in your phone or calendar where the emergency animal hospital is, too. You never know when you’ll need quick on-the-spot treatment.
Providing Your Cat With Essential Shots
Do you worry about your cat getting sick out of nowhere? Prepare for the worst by taking your furry friend to animal vets for shots. Fleas are one of the most frustrating pest animals face — a female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime, spelling disaster for your cat’s sanity. It’s not enough to starve a flea, either, as they can live up to 100 days without a blood meal. Vaccinate your cat against common diseases carried by fleas and ticks, as it never hurts to be too careful.
How To Introduce A Cat To A Dog
Do you have more than one pet at home? You’ll need to learn how to introduce a cat to a dog. While some animals get along swimmingly, others will be as little more hesitant to accept a new member to the family. Supervising your cat when you bring them home is essential, as you don’t want a fight to break out where you can’t see. Take some time to get your dog used to the new member over the week and make sure to discipline any aggressive or skittish behavior early.
Spaying Or Neutering Your Cat
Lastly, it’s extremely important to keep your cat protected against surprise pregnancies. There may be millions of cats in happy homes, but there are also millions of unwanted cats roaming the United States. This puts strain on local animal control resources, racking up a lot of money that could be spent on other parts of commercial infrastructure. Spaying or neutering your cat is part of being a responsible cat owner. If you want a new litter, make sure you have some money set aside to take good care of them.
Learning how to introduce a cat to a dog or double-checking for fleas…it’s all in a day’s work. How will you become a responsible cat owner in 2019?