Being a first time cat owner is an exhilarating experience with many questions. Figuring out what to do, health questions, and preparing for the future are all connected to the matter. Fortunately, there is plenty of available tips and guidance on the subject for new cat owners to utilize.

As a result, below will highlight some critical tips about raising a cat. We’ll discuss the basics of visiting the vet, playing with your cat, setting up cat scratchers, and more. By the end, you’ll have an abundance of information to help you with raising your kitty. Remember, the web is your friend when raising a cat.

1. Visit the Vet

The number one tip a new cat owner can learn about is the importance of a vet. Even though you may not worry about potential health issues, realize they will come up. Whether it’s a random accident, a health concern, or something you’re unsure about, a vet is imperative to raising a cat.

Thankfully, most cities have plenty of vets. You have to search vets near me online and see what comes up. Take a look through the reviews and what the vet offers. If you happen to have a few cat owners’ friends, ask them for a recommendation. Use the resources around you for help.

2. Play With Your Cat

For whatever reason, countless first time cat owners don’t take the time to play with their cats. Whether it’s a result of not being interested in their cat or not having the time, always try to avoid this. Do what you can to give your cat attention, especially when you first bring them home.

Generally speaking, you should spend at least 15 to 20 minutes playing with your cat every day. Some experts recommend two 15 to 20-minute sessions a day. Try not to do anything longer than 20 minutes, so you don’t get your cat too out of breath. You’ll be fine as long as you make an effort.

3. Set Up Cat Scratchers

Nowadays, most people tend to keep claws on their cat since it’s looked down on. Not to mention the local laws set up in certain places that don’t allow declawing to begin with. Either way, ensure you have a few cat scratchers set-up in your house. Scratching is a natural part of a cat, and if they don’t have somewhere to do it, they’ll do it to your furniture.

Regardless, try to be patient with your cat if they have a scratching accident. Cats are confused animals when they’re in a new environment and don’t know scratching furniture is wrong. Consider looking into a few cat scratching sprays that you can spray on your furniture to prevent them from scratching the furniture.

4. Use High-Quality Food

Like humans, diet is extremely vital to the longevity of a cat. Though you can purchase any cat food and get away with it initially, this isn’t ideal. Talk to a vet for the best food recommendation for your cat. You’ll find a solid product for your cat to consume if you can do that.

Besides getting an excellent day-to-day food product for your cat, consider reading online about other diet tips for your cats. Plenty of vets does online content that is highly worthwhile with the subject. Remember to double-check with your vet whenever you’re considering adding or changing something to your cat’s diet.

5. Know If Your Cat Can Be Around Other Pets

People are typically swayed over the idea of a cat from movies and television. As odd as it sounds, some cats can’t be around other pets. Some cats need to fly solo; whether it’s a result of their genetics, early life, or personality, some cats need to fly solo. There isn’t any issue with this. Still, you need to know if that’s the case with your cat.

Be sure to ask when you’re adopting the cat. Most places mention how the cat they’re putting up for adoption is, but feel to ask if it’s not apparent. Even if you have plans to have one cat strictly, it’s still some information worth knowing. You never know if you might want another pet in the future.

6. Find the Right Litter Box

Finding the correct litter box is more than purchasing any arbitrary litter box. You need to find a litter box that fits your cat’s size and will be okay for your apartment. If you’re confused about the matter, reach out to your vet for any questions. The web also has plenty of information on finding the correct litter box.

7. Help Your Cat Feel Safe

The biggest issue cats have in a new setting is not feeling safe. Do everything you possibly can as a first time cat owner to make your cat feel safe in their new home. Try to mitigate louder noises, get them a cat bed, play with them, and anything else that makes your cat feel relaxed. Your cat should feel okay moving forward if you can do all of those things.

How Long Does it Take a Cat to Get Used to a New Owner?

It usually takes a cat one to two weeks to get used to their new home. Unfortunately, some cats take as long as a month to six months to get used to a new owner. As a result, be patient with your cat, primarily if they’re not used to the new home right away. As long as you’re patient, you’ll be fine moving forward with your cat.

Want to Learn More About Being a First Time Cat Owner?

We hope you enjoyed our tips and general FAQ about being a first time cat owner. As long as you have the means and are willing to learn to be a great cat parent, you’ll be the perfect fit. Nevertheless, feel to reach out to us at Gateway Veterinary Centre if you have any questions or need a vet in Edmonton.