So you’re thinking about getting a pet but aren’t sure which one to get. Is it going to be a dog or a cat? You adore them both equally, but you shudder at the prospect of having to rush home to feed and walk the dog if you go with a dog.
When you talk to your friends, they tell you that cats almost take care of themselves. You decide to get a cat based on their recommendation and the empirical evidence presented by your non-cat owning friends.
You are pleased with your choice. You replay the points made by your friends in your head and say aloud, “Yeah, cats don’t need that much attention, and they’re also pretty independent.” WRONG!
Cats and dogs have different needs, but a cat is not as low-maintenance as your misinformed friends claimed, and certainly not as simple as you imagined.
Let’s talk about how your pet kitty has set you on the path to indentured servitude, as well as daily scheduled play sessions because they thrive on routine.
Table of Contents
Cats Require Attention
There is no doubt that cats make excellent companions and are frequently regarded as low-maintenance pets. When you combine 12 to 16 hours of sleep per day with their laid-back lazy attitude, it’s hard not to believe that food and water are all they require.
We don’t have to take kitty for a walk every day, but they do need daily activity for healthy minds and bodies. Cats require far more attention than we realize, and providing them with adequate levels of attention is critical to their well-being.
When we don’t interact with our cats on a regular basis, they can become bored and even depressed. If you’re wondering how much attention is enough, starting with 10 minutes before leaving and 10 minutes after returning home is a good place to start.
Cats are genetically programmed to stalk, hunt, and capture their prey. Engaging in activities that remind your cat of his or her days in the wild not only provides exercise, but also keeps your cat happy.
Cats Need Preventive Care
To stay healthy and comfortable, your cat will require regular preventive care. Your veterinarian will perform a health check to ensure that there are no signs of illness that should be investigated.
The veterinarian will go over the recommended vaccinations and any necessary follow-ups. Most good veterinarians, including ours, will demonstrate any routine care that you can provide from home, such as learning how to give them medication.
As a cat parent, you should become acquainted with your cat’s normal behavior, which will undoubtedly assist you in recognizing when your furry baby is not feeling well.
If your cat is acting sluggish or not grooming themselves as they usually do, consult with your veterinarian to see if you should bring her in for further evaluation.
Bringing a cat into your home and expecting it to be a ‘low-maintenance’ animal that will never be inconvenient, sick, or needy is unrealistic.
Cats Get Zoomies
When an indoor cat is left alone for an extended period of time, zoomies can occur. This is especially true if the cat has spent the majority of the day doing nothing, which is its favorite activity.
There are, however, some preventative measures that can be taken. It is critical to provide activities for a cat so that it can receive mental stimulation and thus remain happy and engaged even when left alone.
I’ve discovered that it’s critical to provide this “mental stimulation” in a way that allows the cat to demonstrate its abilities.
This could include games like chasing toys, hiding from cats, and so on. It is also critical to provide the cat with a sufficient number of hiding places.
The hope is that this will all come to an end and your cat will be as relaxed as she was before she got the zoomies! Frenetic Random Activity Periods is the clinical term for zoomies.
Cats Like Routine
Cats are known to enjoy routines and will stick to them even if it means going without food for extended periods of time.
Cats do not adapt well to changes in their environment. Cats, it turns out, are biologically hardwired not to handle even minor changes in their environment.
According to Ohio State University research, healthy cats become ill when even minor changes in their daily routine occur.
That’s not to say that making changes due to circumstances, such as hiring a pet sitter to feed, water, and clean the litter box, is a bad idea. The point is that you must establish and stick to a routine that works for your cat.
Cats Need Grooming
Why is grooming a cat so important? It’s not just to make them look good, though that certainly helps. It also aids in keeping their fur healthy and clean.
That way, they’ll be more comfortable and clean for longer, which is beneficial to both you and them. Grooming keeps cats warm, feels good, and provides an opportunity to bond with your feline companion.
Grooming also aids in the prevention of hairball formation, which can lead to intestine blockages. It also allows you to bond with your feline companion while giving them a relaxing massage.
Although regular grooming can be a chore for some owners, the benefits far outweigh the time and effort required to keep your cat clean and comfortable.
The Box And Litter
Yes, dealing with cat litter boxes is a pain in the buttocks. Not to mention determining how many are required and where they should be placed.
If you own a cat, you understand how time-consuming it can be to clean their litter box. Why are we making such a big deal about it?
When it comes to choosing the damn thing, we spend a lot of time figuring out how to make our lives easier. Should it be covered? Should it clean itself?
Yes, dealing with cat litter boxes is a pain in the buttocks. Not to mention determining how many are required and where they should be placed.
If you own a cat, you understand how time-consuming it can be to clean their litter box. Why are we making such a big deal about it?
When it comes to choosing, we spend a lot of time figuring out how to make our lives easier. Should it be covered? Should it clean itself?
What exactly does “self cleaning” imply? Do I still need to get rid of the trash? Then there’s the litter question: which should I get? Is it better to send something scented or unscented?
There is no doubt that your mind is racing after all of that. To be honest, the majority of these decisions will be made through trial and error. Do your research before making a decision so that you’re as knowledgeable about this as possible before bringing your new kitty home.
It all comes down to setting your expectations. Remember, by giving a cat a box to do their business, we are already asking them to work within our boundaries and to ignore their natural instincts.
Conclusion
You must be clear about your expectations and hold yourself accountable if they are not met. As a result, it’s critical to be honest about what you can and cannot handle, and to be willing to adjust your expectations as needed.