Are you a new cat owner? Congratulations! You’re embarking on a delightful and enduring journey with your furry companion. Cats are really cute and fun pets, with charming and entertaining personalities. Although Fluffy is generally low-maintenance, there are a few important guidelines that first-time owners should keep in mind. In this article, a Roanoke, VA veterinarian shares a list of some of them.
How Can I Ensure The Safety Of My Cat?
Aside from ensuring Fluffy’s safety and well-being by keeping her grounded, providing her with nutritious meals, and regular visits to the vet, we would also suggest taking measures to petproof your home. Cats are both curious and driven to improve their hunting skills, as they are both predators and prey in the wild. Many items commonly found in households can pose a danger to our beloved pets.
Here are a few items to keep away from your furry friend:
- Chemicals
- Medication
- strings, ropes, and cords
- Plastic bags and wrappers
- Toxic plants
- Sharp or small items
- Candles
heavy appliances can also be dangerous, especially if you have a kitten. An uncovered toilet poses little danger to a fully grown kitty, but can be extremely hazardous to a young kitten. For more information, reach out to your veterinarian.
How Do You Keep A Kitty Healthy?
As previously stated, the importance of good food cannot be overstated. It is also crucial to keep your beloved cat indoors. Kitties that roam freely are exposed to various dangers, such as traffic, harsh weather conditions, and encounters with wildlife.
Ensuring your pet receives proper veterinary care is essential here, too. Adopting a kitten> Little Fluffy will need to come in a few times while she is still a (super cute) baby. Along with her initial exams, vaccines, and dewormers, your adorable little pet will also require spay/neuter surgery and microchipping.
After your feline friend reaches adulthood, she may only need annual check-ups. There are a few exceptions to this rule, though. Outdoor cats and sick cats need additional visits. Seniors also may need more frequent appointments. Similar to humans, older kitties typically require more frequent visits to their veterinarians. Follow your veterinarian’s recommended schedule. For more information on maintaining your pet’s health, explore our “Veterinary Wellness & Pet Vaccinations” service.
At home, it is crucial to closely monitor your cat for any signs of illness or injury, regardless of their age. Kitties can be secretive about this, so keep a close eye out!
Here are a few things to be on the lookout for:
- Lack of Appetite
- Unkempt Fur
- Vomiting
- Hiding
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Weight fluctuations
- Respiratory problems
- Excessive Thirst
- Abnormal Behavior
- Uncharacteristic Vocalization
Call your Roanoke, VA vet immediately if you notice anything unusual. Cats frequently conceal symptoms of sickness, so your kitty may not show any signs of illness until she’s already quite sick!
How Long Do Cats Usually Live?
Kitties are enjoying longer lives than ever these days, thanks to improvements in veterinary care and a better understanding of their requirements. Although the typical lifespan for cats is 12 to 18 years, it is becoming increasingly common to find these adorable creatures living well into their 20s, filled with energy and joy.
What Should I Feed My Cat?
Let’s begin with Fluffy’s menu. We can’t over-emphasize the importance of providing your feline friend with a well-balanced diet. Choosing the right cat food doesn’t mean you have to break the bank: just provide your pet with a nutritious and age-appropriate diet.
Choosing the right brand can be quite a challenge, given how pet food companies excel at using advertising strategies to make their products appear superior, even if they’re not. Look for brands that use meat, fish, or poultry as their primary ingredients.
Portion control matters too! Make sure to consult with your Roanoke, VA veterinarian.
Your kitty will also need clean water. A fountain might be a good option for you as cats often prefer drinking water that is flowing.
How Much Time Can Fluffy Spend Alone?
Our feline companions are known for their independence, which is one of the reasons why they are so popular. Fluffy won’t need to be bathed or trained, and you won’t have to run home from work to take her for walks. She’ll be perfectly fine on her own as long as she has food and water, even if you’re out late or away overnight. If you plan on being away for an extended period of time, it would be best to consider boarding your cat or arranging for someone to check on her.
Don’t forget your pet’s comfort when you leave. Remember to leave a light and a TV or radio on if you’ll be out after dark. Being by yourself in a dark, quiet home isn’t enjoyable for anyone! It is crucial to consider climate control as well.
Should I Keep My Cat Inside?
Definitely! Cats are both safer and healthier indoors. Of course, indoor cats may not get the same amount of stimulation as their outdoor counterparts, so they need lots of entertainment. Cat furniture, toys, and a comfortable window seat with a nice view will all help to keep your pet happy and entertained. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, consider giving your feline friend a catio.
Fluffy will also need a nail-care station, at least, If you want to protect your sofa from being shredded. Provide a suitable scratching post or board, as your feline pal won’t have access to real trees for this purpose. Using cat towers is an excellent solution for this!
What Makes Kitties Really Happy?
What can we say about Fluffy? She has a genuine appreciation for the uncomplicated joys of life, such as taking peaceful naps and basking in warm sunbeams. Of course, love is the key component in any kitten care program. Make sure to give Fluffy plenty of attention! Don’t force attention on her: that may backfire. Interact with your feline companion by engaging in conversation, petting her (if she enjoys it), playing with her, and just spending quality time together. Just a few minutes each day spent holding a laser toy for your feline can make her feel loved and secure. To discover more about enhancing your cat’s life, consider reading “Fluffy’s New Year’s Resolutions.”
However, we must highlight a few things that Fluffy particularly enjoys. Here are some examples:
- Catnip
- Boxes
- Paper grocery bags (Cut the handles off)
- Sunbeams
- Soft blankets folded up on chairs or beds
- Lap space
- Treats
- Catwalks/Cat Shelves
- Cat grass
- Toys
Then there’s cat furniture. It’s not necessary to fill your space with furniture, but we suggest providing your kitty with a high-quality scratching post, a cat tower or play center, and a cozy bed. Boxes will also please your feline overlord. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Overall: Taking care of cats is not hard, but it is crucial to comprehend their requirements. Fluffy’s health and well-being ultimately depend on you giving her healthy food, taking her to the vet regularly, keeping the litter box clean, of course, and giving her lots of love and playtime every day.
Make An Appointment With Your Roanoke, VA Pet Clinic
Does your kitty need an exam, vaccinations, or spay/neuter surgery! Get in touch with us, your nearby Roanoke, VA pet hospital right away! We are dedicated to providing top-notch veterinary care!
