How to Take Care of a Cat for the First Time | Cat Care |
Welcoming a new cat into your home is really joyful. But it is not enough to bring a cat home; at the same time, you have to take on some responsibilities. If you’re a cat owner, then it is clear that you’re a fresh-minded person. If you bring your feline friend home for the first time, then you need to know how to care for them properly, how to keep them healthy, etc.
You also have to provide them with a free and independent environment to live. Cats do not like to live in a captive environment. You need to know how you can always keep your feline friend happy. How can you provide enough nutrients to your cat? As a new cat owner, you need to learn many small things to care for your cat for the first time.
In this article, I will share some tips and provide some guidelines for you. If you follow my guidelines, then you will be able to care for your cat well if you are a new cat owner. I will try to cover everything essential in this short article. So read the article properly.
Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment for Your Cat
The first thing after bringing a cat to your home is to create a comfortable environment. Choose a calm room and clean it perfectly. Make the room free from hazards. Many things are required to follow when creating a comfortable and safe environment.
Hazards-free: Check the room before selecting it as your cat’s room. You need to ensure that the room is free from potentially dangerous things such as small objects, sharp items, and toxic substances. Some common household items like certain plants, cleaning supplies, and small toys are risky for cats.
How to Make a Safe and Comfortable Environment for a Cat
Here I am sharing some important tips to follow when creating a safe and comfortable environment for your cat. You can follow my advice to create a perfect living environment for your cat. I am just sharing my opinion with you. If you want, you can decorate the room as you choose. Here are some essential tips:
- Remove hazards from the selected room.
- Secure loose wires.
- Block off dangerous areas.
- Set a litter box in the room.
- Provide a scratching post.
- Give toys and enrichment.
- Create a comfortable bed.
- Offer food and water bowls.
- Set up a safe space.
- Confine to a single room initially.
- Include all essential supplies for comfort.
- Gradually allow exploration of other parts of the home.
Provide Enough Food to Your Cat
Feeding a cat is necessary, and the quality is a must. If you are a new cat owner, then you should do many things before feeding your cat. There are many ways to feed a cat. You can choose three types of food for your cat: dry cat food, wet cat food, or homemade food. In this passage, I will explain that. Also, I will share the full guidelines.
Types of Food:
- Wet Food: Wet food is canned food and it provides a high level of hydration. It is more expensive than dry food. It is good as cat food. It needs to be refrigerated after opening.
- Dry Food: Dry cat food is less expensive. You can provide it to your cat all day. It has lower moisture, which may not be ideal for cats that do not drink enough water.
- Homemade Food: Some cat owners prepare food at home. It is good, but you need to consult with a vet to ensure the proper diet. Otherwise, homemade food is good for cats.
Feeding Schedule
Different aged cats need different types of diets. You can count the ages in three stages: basically kittens, adults, and seniors. Here I am sharing the perfect schedule for all stages:
- Kittens: Kittens should be fed 3-4 times a day to support their rapid growth and high energy.
- Adult Cats: Adult cats can be fed 2-3 times a day.
- Senior Cats: Senior cats can be fed 2-3 times a day.
Follow the Nutrient Tips
- Ensure a balanced diet.
- Provide adequate hydration.
- Avoid toxic foods.
- Limit treats.
- Address special dietary needs.
Litter Train Your Cat
Litter training is the most important part of caring for a cat. You should train your cat very well; otherwise, it will make your home dirty. Choose a specific place to set a litter box. You can easily buy a litter box. After setting the litter box, introduce it to your cat. At first, it will be very hard to introduce, but after some time, your cat will understand that it is his potty place. If you feel uneasy about training, you can watch a YouTube video for help. Keep in mind that the litter box should be big in size, and buy multiple litter boxes for easy training.
Build a Relationship with a Veterinarian
As a new cat owner, you should make a relationship with a veterinarian. Take your cat to the veterinarian sometimes for check-ups to know about their health conditions. If you go to the vet, they will give you proper suggestions based on your cat’s age. Different aged cats need different types of care. So take your cat to the vet sometimes.
Vaccinate Your Cat at the Proper Age
Age of Cat | Vaccine Type | Notes |
6-8 Weeks | FVRCP | Initial vaccination |
10-12 Weeks | FVRCP (Booster) | Booster vaccination |
FeLV (if recommended) | First dose | |
14-16 Weeks | FVRCP (Final Booster) | Final booster |
FeLV (Booster, if initial dose given) | Booster vaccination | |
16 Weeks and Older | Rabies | First dose |
Adult Cats | FVRCP | Initial vaccination if never vaccinated |
Regular Check-Ups for Your Cat
Regular check-ups are needed to understand your cat’s health activity. Regular check-ups help us know earlier if our cat has any physical problems. Also, if they have any diseases, we can understand that sooner and take immediate action.