Care
Do you have all the right stuff at home?
Two litter boxes
Cats have a super nose. They can smell 1000 times better than humans! Because cats can smell so well they do not like bad odors in their litter box. Outside cats often pee on one spot and poo somewhere else. This is what they are use to in the wild. A cat that only has one litter box can pee somewhere it is not allowed, on the couch or in bed for example. This is why you need two litter boxes for one cat. Use the boxes without a roof or door. Bad odors stick to the inside of the roof and besides this, cats do not like closed spaces.
Scratching posts
A scratching post is very important for a cat. It uses them to file its nails and to mark its territory. They are also handy for you at home. You can teach your cat to use a post at a young age. When the cat gets older it will use the scratching post and will leave furniture or curtains alone.
Climbing furniture
Cats are climbers. A cat that is not allowed to climb on the couch, on chairs or on the table will not have a nice life. Make sure you get a high quality climbing post. You can buy one at the pet store where you can find several shapes and sizes. The post should be sturdy otherwise it will fall over. Also pay attention to if it has a hanging post or one you should nail to the wall!
Beds and blankets
Cats like to sleep in a kitty bed. They also like to retreat under a blanket. Preferably try not to wash your cat’s blanket. This way its own trusted smell will linger on. This is very important for cats. You will also need a carrier to transport your cat in case you have to take your cat to the vet, for example. Put the carrier in a place where your cat can sleep in it at home. This way the carrier will automatically absorb the cat’s smell so that when you have to use the carrier to transport your cat, the cat will feel at ease.
Lots of toys
Cats want to hunt, run and play. This way they can burn up their energy and will not get bored. Make sure there are a lot of toys that your cat can play with on his own like balls and toy mice. It is a good idea to spread these toys all over the house. Like the hunter it is, your cat enjoys it when the toy moves. This way your cat can chase it. Fuzzy balls are also fun. You can put dry food in them so when your cat plays with it, it will be rewarded.
Do not play with your hands!
Use your hands to pet the cat and not to play with it. If you do your cat will see your hand as prey. It will then scratch and bite. Buy or make a cat pole for your cat. This is a stick with a rope and either a bird’s feather or a mouse hanging from it. For most cats this is their favorite toy. Lots of cats also enjoy rustling tunnels. They have fun running through them. Bring home some boxes from the supermarket. These drive cats crazy especially if you cut holes and doors in them.
It’s a good idea to choose a specific time to play with your cats. Play with them as soon as you get home from school. This way the cat will stay active.
Picking up cats
It is not good to pick up cats often even if it is irresistible. You can hurt the cat especially when the cat gets older. Often humans cannot tell when a cat is in pain. This is why you should be extra careful when you pick up a cat. Never pick it up by the scruff of its neck. Cats do not like this. This is how their mother moved them when they were a kitten and only she knew how much pressure to use.
Trimming
A cat washes and polishes itself all day long. Still its fur needs extra care. No matter if it has long or short hair. Combing regularly removes loose hair and dirt from the fur. Use a cat brush made of rubber or metal.
If you don’t do this often enough the cat will swallow these loose hairs. They will form a hairball in his stomach. Hairballs just do not feel good inside and your cat will throw them up so comb your cat regularly to prevent these hairballs.
How much does that cost?
Taking care of a cat can easily cost €35,- / $47,- a month. Think well before you take a cat in. Your cat needs a lot of things so that it will feel really at home.
Keep in mind the costs of food, litter, toys, climbing post, scratching posts and more. And do not forget the costs of the veterinarian.
Play the game Cat House sometime!