Cats as pets: Best Care, Feeding, and Rich Advice
Cats as pets make great companions and are low maintenance. They cost less than dogs and are great for city living or apartments.
Cats are among the most popular pets worldwide, known for their independence, playful nature, and companionship. They can adapt well to various living environments, from small apartments to large homes, and are relatively low-maintenance compared to some other pets. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect when keeping cats as pets, covering their care, behavior, diet, and more.
Why Choose a Cat as a Pet?
- Independent Yet Affectionate: Cats are known for their independent nature but can also be very affectionate and enjoy cuddling and interacting with their owners.
- Low Maintenance: Cats require less attention than dogs and are generally easier to care for.
- Good for Indoor Living: Cats adapt well to indoor living and can be litter trained, making them ideal for urban settings.
- Variety of Breeds: There are many breeds to choose from, each with unique characteristics and appearances.
Choosing the Right Cat
- Consider Lifestyle:
- Determine how much time you can dedicate to a pet. Some breeds are more social and require more interaction than others.
- Consider your home environment and any existing pets when choosing a cat.
- Breed Characteristics:
- Research different breeds to understand their traits and care requirements. For example, Siamese cats are vocal and social, while Persians are more laid-back and quiet.
- Age and Temperament:
- Decide whether you want a kitten or an adult cat. Kittens require more time and training, while adult cats may have established personalities and habits.
Basic Care Requirements
- Housing:
- Provide a safe and comfortable environment with plenty of space for your cat to explore.
- Ensure your home is cat-proofed, removing any hazards such as toxic plants, small objects, and open windows.
- Litter Box:
- Provide a clean litter box in a quiet, accessible location. Scoop daily and change the litter regularly.
- Use a litter type that your cat prefers, which may require some trial and error.
- Scratching Posts:
- Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, which helps them keep their claws healthy and mark their territory. Provide scratching posts to deter them from scratching furniture.
- Enrichment:
- Cats need mental and physical stimulation. Provide toys, climbing trees, and interactive playtime to keep them engaged.
- Consider a window perch for indoor cats to observe the outdoors.
Diet and Nutrition
- Balanced Diet:
- Feed a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for your cat’s age, size, and activity level. Consult your vet for dietary recommendations.
- Offer a mix of wet and dry food to ensure proper hydration and dental health.
- Fresh Water:
- Ensure a constant supply of fresh, clean water. Some cats prefer running water, so a pet fountain might encourage them to drink more.
- Treats:
- Use treats in moderation for training or rewarding good behavior.
Grooming
- Brushing:
- Regularly brush your cat to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs, especially for long-haired breeds.
- Short-haired cats require less frequent grooming but still benefit from regular brushing.
- Nail Trimming:
- Trim your cat’s nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and injury. Use proper cat nail clippers and handle your cat gently.
- Dental Care:
- Provide dental treats or toys to help maintain oral health. Regular brushing of your cat’s teeth can also prevent dental issues.
Health and Veterinary Care
- Regular Check-ups:
- Schedule annual veterinary visits for vaccinations, health assessments, and preventive care.
- Vaccinations and Parasite Control:
- Keep your cat up-to-date with vaccinations and parasite prevention measures, such as flea and tick treatments.
- Signs of Illness:
- Monitor your cat for any signs of illness, such as changes in appetite, behavior, or litter box habits. Seek veterinary attention if you notice anything unusual.
Behavior and Socialization
- Understanding Behavior:
- Learn about cat body language and vocalizations to better understand your pet’s needs and emotions.
- Socialization:
- Expose your cat to different people, pets, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and confident.
- Play and Interaction:
- Spend quality time playing and interacting with your cat to strengthen your bond and keep them happy.
Conclusion
Cats make wonderful pets for a wide range of households, offering companionship and entertainment with their playful antics and loving nature. By understanding their needs and providing proper care, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your feline friend. Whether you choose a purebred cat or a mixed-breed rescue, a cat can bring joy and companionship to your home for many years.
There are about 60 cat breeds that are recognized by cat fancier organizations. Wikipedia has a fantastic list of cat breeds.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of pet cats has gone up. Early 1980’s, it was about seven years. In 1995 it has gone up to 9.4 and in 2021 about 15 years. Some cats lived into their 30s. The oldest known cat died at the verified age of 38. Castrated male cats live twice as long as intact males. Sprayed female cats live 62% longer than intact females. Neutered cats have health benefits as well. Castrated males cannot develop testicular cancer while females cannot develop uterine or ovarian cancer. Both sexes have a lesser risk of mammary cancer.
Senses of cats as pets
Vision – Cats have excellent night vision and can see at only one-sixth the light level needed for human vision. They have poor color vision and their ability to distinguish between red and green is limited.
Hearing – Domestic cats can hear a range of 10.5 octaves, while humans and dogs can hear ranges of about 9 octaves. They can detect ultrasound to detect calls made by rodents.
Smell – Cats can smell better than humans and can sense certain aromas in a way that humans cannot.
Taste – Cats have relatively few taste buds compared to humans (about 470 compared to more than 9 000 on the human tongue. They have no ability to taste sweetness. Cats prefer that their food temperature is around 38 degrees Celsius and don’t like cold food. This would signal to the cat that the “prey” item is long dead and therefore possibly toxic or decomposing.
Whiskers – Cats have dozens of movable whiskers to aid navigation and sensation. These provide information on the width of gaps and on the location of objects in the dark. They also trigger protective blink reflexes to protect the eyes from damage.
Caring for cats as pets
If you regard owning a cat as a privilege, not a right, then you will help to create the happy and satisfying mutual relationship that so many cat owners have experienced.
The following utensils can be added to your cat shopping list:
- A cat bed and bedding
- A litter tray and cat litter
- Feeding utensils (food and water dishes)
- Grooming gear
- Collar (with an identity disc and bell to warn garden birds of the cat’s presence)
- Toys
- A scratching post
Cat food
Cats have specific requirements for their dietary nutrients. The domestic cat needs a diet that is properly balanced and contains all the essential nutrients in the correct quantities. These nutrients are water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.
Cats are known as obligatory carnivores, therefore they must eat some animal protein in order to survive. This is because they need a particular amino acid called taurine, which help to prevent heart and eye disease. Taurine is plentiful in animal protein, but only present in small amounts in plant protein.
Commercial cat diets
Many commercial diets are formulated to provide all your cat’s nutritional requirements. They are formulated by nutritional scientists and vets. These diets have been tried and tested in controlled feeding trials and meet approved international standards.
There is a bewildering choice of commercial cat food. Your cat can have a choice of lamb, beef, chicken, tuna, sardines or ocean fish, to only name a few. Some foods contain combinations, such as beef and chicken. The nutritional profile of these foods is very similar, it is just the contents that vary.
Protecting your cat’s health
To keep fit and well your cat needs regular health care. Some of it will be provided by you, and some by your local vet. Veterinary clinics are not just for health treatment. They are also a valuable source for practical information, specialized products, and friendly advice.
The changes in veterinary science over the years have been remarkable. Veterinary specialization includes:
- Anaesthesia
- Orthopaedics
- Dermatology
- Dentistry
- Diagnostic imaging
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Animal behaviour
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Radiology
More information on services that vets offer.
Monitoring your cat’s health
The earlier you can detect a health problem and do something about it, the better. Treatment is more likely to be effective, and your cat will probably suffer less discomfort or pain. Learn what is normal, so that you can detect when something abnormal occurs.
One of the first signs of ill health may be a subtle change in your cat’s normal behaviour. It may be quieter than usual, less active, or disinclined to go for a walk. It may be more thirsty, or less hungry. Since cats, like humans, have their off days, you should keep an eye on this sort of change for a day or two. If it continues, then take further action.
Cats as pets featured image courtesy: Michelle Robertson
Cats as pets content creator: Petrus A. van Tonder
