Having a pet is one of the best decisions you've ever made and if it's a cat, which is also adopted, then all the better! But, are you ready to have a pet at home? If you have doubts about the answer to this simple question, on our site we help you solve the problem and we explain the 5 things you should know before adopting a cat
Incorporating a new member into the family is always a source of joy, but when you adopt an animal you must take into account many factors, both the animal itself and the family you want it to join and the place where it will become its new home.
If you have already lived with cats you should know some important things, but let's not forget that although the emotion of having a small kitten in our home overcomes us, common sense should never fail. It is better that we are prepared to make our new friend feel comfortable and that the cat-human relationship begins and develops in the best possible way.
If you want to adopt a cat, find out everything you need to know first and get ready to enjoy an incredible pet.
1. Puppy or adult cat
We know that a small kitten will surely be more exciting than an adult, but you should know that adult cats are also full of love to give and their acclimatization to a new home may be even easier than that of a very young cat.
If you are determined to adopt a puppy cat you have to bear in mind that you will need patience to educate him and time to play with him now. that kittens have too much energy and are quite hyperactive. Of course, you will enjoy a beautiful stage with your pet, full of fun moments, but that entail important responsibilities.
If, on the other hand, you want to help an adult cat, the advantages of adopting him are more than enough. An adult cat already has the basic knowledge learned and getting used to a new home will be easier. Remember that we all deserve second chances and more animals like these, that although they don't play so much they continue to provide company and unconditional love.
If you still have doubts about this first point, here are some articles that will surely help you:
- Puppy cat care
- How to train a small cat
- Socializing an adult cat
- Tips for adopting a stray cat
two. His space in your home
Whether it is a kitten or an adult cat, one of the things you should know before adopting a cat is that a feline needs 4 essential spacesinside your home. These spaces are:
- Toilet area: A space where your litter box is always present. Remember that cats are extremely clean animals and the area where the sandbox is is sacred. It should never be near food and should be in a ventilated area whenever possible.
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Play area: If you don't want your furniture or clothes to suffer continuous attacks, before adopting a cat, you should have prepared their play area and it should always include a scratching post.
- Feeding area: It should be far from the litter box, remember that cats are sensitive to odors and the area where you place the water bowl and his cup to eat must be in another part of the house, always in the same place.
- Rest area: In general, the rest area is usually a corner where our friend feels so comfortable who uses it both to sleep and to carry out their personal hygiene routines. This place can be the same scratching post or a corner of the house where you have a cushion and some toys.
Remember that to have a feline at home you do not need large spaces or a garden where it can run, but what you do have to take into account before adopting a cat is that it will need to easily find its spaces vital.
To help you with this topic, here are other articles that will surely make things easier for you:
- Teaching a cat to use a scratching post
- Teaching a cat to use the litter box
- Homemade cat scratcher
- Cat toys
- The best cats to have in an apartment
3. Prepare the family
Before adopting a cat it is very important that you bear in mind that the new pet will be part of your family, so the rest of this you should be aware of your arrival so that the welcome is always positive.
Children and adults
If you have small children at home you must prepare them for the arrival of the new member of the family. Cats are very affectionate, although their fame says otherwise, but it is also true that they are quite independent and do not like to be harassed or manipulated for long periods of time. Teach your children how to play with the cat and how to educate it so that the relationship is totally he althy and the cat can quickly integrate into the family.
If this is your case, don't hesitate to take a look at our article with the best cats for children.
As for adults, same thing! cats are not the same as any other type of pet and therefore cannot be treated like a dog, for example. Cats have a character similar to that of humans, so do not try to have them on you all day. Of course, remember that they are animals and that they need attention and above all, many games, such as chasing things or hunting.
Other pets
Cats are quite territorial, so before adopting a cat make sure that the rest of the pets in the house can get along with it. If you have dogs or cats, the best way to introduce the new member of the family will be little by little and with a lot of tact, a hasty introduction can forever spoil the relationship between your pets.
To do this, give the new cat a private space, such as a room for example, and slowly introduce him to the rest of the house. Let the pets smell each other, without having to see each other, monitor the first encounters constantly and thus they will lose their fear. This process can take up to a month, do not rush it and be patient. And in case of aggressive encounters, here are some tips to avoid fights between cats.
You can also check:
- How to get two cats to get along
- Coexistence between cats and rabbits
- Tips for coexistence between dogs and cats
4. Vet visit
Although it's number four on our list of things to know before adopting a cat, the topic of visiting the vet is one of the most important, whether you plan to take home a kitten as if you want to adopt an adult cat.
Take your new pet for a consultation, have the vet check that everything is in order and if necessary, have it vaccinated and dewormed If you have other animals at home you can put their he alth at risk by bringing another animal that can transmit diseases.
Cats, although strong, are also delicate animals in certain aspects. A depressed or scared cat is more likely to contract certain diseases, so it is important that you monitor its he alth from the first moment it comes into your life. Another aspect that you must take into account is the issue of sterilization, this has a lot to do with its happiness, since a cat that does not have the "stress" that can be generated by the mating season will not only be more docile but will also be happier.
If you have doubts about this topic, you can learn more about heat in cats and the advantages of sterilizing a cat.
5. A cat will change your life
Throughout this article we have explained the basic aspects that you must take into account if you want to adopt a cat. We have told you that you must decide what type of cat you want, that you must also prepare your space at home and the rest of the family for its arrival and we have explained that a visit to the vet is almost mandatory, but the most important thing of all this is that having a cat as a pet will fill your life with joy!
Cats need time, care and love, like any living being, and the reward they give you in return is priceless, so don't hesitate and get everything ready to have a cat in the family. Whatever the reason that has led you to make this decision, you should know that the relationship with your new pet should be forever and that the sacrifices you may have to make will result in a unique friendship.
Felines may have a bad reputation, that their solitary and independent character is confused with selfishness, aggressiveness and even some believe that cats are treacherous animals, but those of us who have felines at home know that It is completely far from reality. A cat will bring joy to your home, it will be your support in moments of loneliness, it will make you a more active person and, of course, daily laughter is guaranteed with its madness.
If you want to know a little more visit our fun article about things you should know about cats and the benefits of having a cat.
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