We all want the best for our fur babies and try to get them everything they need to be happy. Food, toys, and the like are all part of a healthy and balanced life for our feline companions. What we might be doing in the best interest of our cat might not be something they like, though. This list is written from a cat’s perspective on everything they would like you to keep in mind to make their lives safer, happier, and the best they could hope for.
- They Don’t Like Scented Cat Litter
Have you ever walked through a department store where perfume testers were sitting out on the counters or sprayed by personnel? Was the smell not overwhelming and may have made you try hard to escape the space as quickly as possible? That is what your cat needs you to understand about scented cat litter. Sure, it might mask the smell of their bathroom business and make your house smell better, but their sensitive noses don’t like it one bit.
- Dry Cat Food is Not Good for a Sole Diet
Cats are not normally great drinkers like other pets might be. This means that a diet of only dry food can be dangerous for your cat, as it will not get the additional moisture wet foods supply. A cat that is given only dry food can live perpetually dehydrated vs a cat fed with raw or wet food. Also, you cat can develop diabetes, experience weight gain and get urinary tract infections if your cat doesn’t have the moisture in its body to support normal bodily functions.
- Some Normal Household Items are Dangerous for Cats
What do grapes, raisins, aloe, and toothpaste have in common? All are found in many homes that might also have cats. These everyday items contain a variety of ingredients that can be dangerous for your cats. Ensure things are out of reach, capped, and stored with lids with a cat in the house. Remember, they love to climb, jump and get into mischief, so you need to be a step ahead of them when keeping house.
- They Don’t Like a Dirty Litter Box
Cats are cleaning aficionados and love clean fur, places to sleep, and most of all, clean litter. If their box is not kept tidy, they may find other places to care for their bathroom needs. Ensure solids are out of the box daily and the box cleaned at a minimum once a week to keep your cat going in the litter box. Should you find a little surprise in other places about the house, it might be a sign that the litter itself or cleaning schedule of the litter box needs adjustment.
- They Don’t Like Other Cats that Much
When you consider adding another cat to the fold, you should remember to consider a few things. Elder cats don’t like socializing and will have a hard time with new cats in the household. If your cat wasn’t socialized from a young age and even bonded with other cats, this process could be difficult later on to make happen. Underlying sickness or even their natures can additionally cause strains when introducing new cats to the household. Cats are solitary hunters, and while they can be social, it’s not always a given, depending on several factors.
- They Don’t Like Change.
Cats are creatures of habit; change is not something that will be taken easily. Changes in the litter, home, other pets, and their routine can cause them to get aggressive, combatant and sulky. Normally with time and patience, they will come around but will never be the go with the flow easy pet. Take this into consideration when making any major changes, and try to ease any transition as slowly as possible. This is for your sanity, your cat’s overall happiness.
- They NEED their Claws.
Many pet owners will declaw indoor cats to reduce such risks as scratches to skin and furniture. Cat’s need their claws to playing, mark territory, and stretch – by removing the claws, you can cause pain, discomfort, and even behavioral issues in your cat. Scratching posts and other training methods can overcome the common reasons most people declaw their pet. Additionally, removing this normal part of your cat’s anatomy can change their gait, ability to defend themselves should they encounter other animals outdoors at any point and also cause lifelong discomfort.
There you have it. Of all the advice you receive about bringing a new feline pet into the home, this list includes everything your cat would tell you themselves. Consider unscented litter that you clean frequently. Try to leave their claws alone, don’t change routines, maybe get another cat early on in their life if you intend to have them, be aware of household items that might injure them, and keep them out of reach are just a few reminders to keep foremost in your mind when welcoming a new cat to the household. With a bit of planning and consideration, this new fur baby to the family will give you years of cuddles, happiness, and less stress by following their sage advice above.