There are numerous advantages to owning a cat. According to MentalFloss.com, one of the best benefits of being a cat owner is better heart health for the owner.
In fact, a study found that cat owners are 30 percent less likely to die due to a heart attack or stroke. Plus, there’s just this joy to having a relaxed furry companion in life.
So, it should come as no surprise that a lot of people want to become cat owners. Aside from people’s natural fondness for felines, many appreciate the potential rewards of living with a feline.
Cats are not demanding and do not require a lot of hands-on care and maintenance. Most of them are fine to be left alone, but it’s definitely nice to have a loving and close relationship with them. It’s so sweet when they snuggle up to you and purr, especially after a stressful day. Also, isn’t it heart-melting when they look up to you with those innocent eyes (remember Puss in Boots in Shrek)?
Preparing for Cat Ownership
If you are thinking of becoming a cat owner and you are all about being a dedicated cat mommy or daddy, it’s essential to be prepared. Study feline behavior, so you can be the best guardian possible and avoid making decisions for your pet that can compromise its health.
Likewise, find out what cats need and love. The development of felines comes with requirements, and their instincts need to be met. For instance, scratching is an instinct. Cats scratch objects in their surroundings to remove the outer layer of their claws, as well as to mark their territories. You need to prepare adequately for such behavior.
Items Cats Need
Speaking of meeting cat’s needs, listed below are eight kitty items you need to invest in so you have a happy and satisfied feline friend:
1. High-quality cat food
The different choices of cat food on the market do not use the same formula. So, take the time to visit the vet and get some recommendations.
It’s imperative that your new cat eats only what is completely good for it. Otherwise, it may develop an aversion or get sick, which can make your cat lose its trust in you. That is why, whether you feed your cat with cooked or raw cat food, make sure not to compromise on the quality and the nutritional value.
2. Litter box
A litter box is one of the items that are designed to help you housebreak your little feline. It appeals to their instincts and makes sure that you will not be dealing with stinky and hard-to-find cat waste in your home.
Buy a litter box that is large enough for your cat to ensure comfort and cover its waste. Also, throw pleasant-smelling cat litter powder that is dust-free and highly absorbent.
3. Cat brush
Brushing your cat’s hair regularly can decrease the frequency of the feline regurgitating furball. At the same time, brushing sessions can foster a more loving relationship with the kitty.
Cat brushes come in a large variety of designs, but the vital factors that you need to consider when buying a cat brush are:
- how easily it combs out knots without hurting the little one, and
- how simple the brush is to clean.
4. Scratching post
Scratching may become a problem at some point, and cats will scratch everything in sight. To prevent the furry one from scratching up your furniture, floors, appliances, and curtains to relieve itself from the discomfort of the dead outer layer of their claws, as well as mark their territory, get a scratching post.
Install a scratching post in a room with not much in it for your cat to scratch up. The room or area where the scratching post is located will function as a home for your feline friend; it’s one of the places where you will find it hanging out most often.
5. Cat cologne
Consider this a must because bathing kitties is not that easy. A cat cologne will give your pet a pleasant enough scent until it is ready for a proper bath.
When you are choosing a cat cologne, though, look at the ingredients. Opt for a formula that will not only make your cat smell fresh but also provide it with other benefits such as moisturization and disinfection.
6. All-in-one shampoo and conditioner
This is a nifty purchase for kitties because one of the things that you have to do now and then is to bathe your feline. You can make this often-troublesome activity simpler by using an excellent hygiene product such as an all-in-one shampoo and conditioner.
The shampoo gets the cat clean, and the conditioner gets rid of hair knots and moisturizes the skin. In a single go, you can clean your cat and also give it extra skin care.
7. Toys
Cats have energy to expend and can benefit immensely from playtime. Balls are always a good toy for kitties, as well as plush dolls, ribbon wands, battery-operated critters, and ripple rugs.
Toys can also keep your cats healthy. Since they are not pets that you can take out for walks or jog with, cats can easily gain weight and shedding it is not easy. But if there are toys that stimulate them enough, you can be certain that they will get the exercise they need to stay happy and healthy.
Life with a Cat
Indeed, life is pretty neat if it includes the pitter patter of kitty feet. So, read up on how to rear and live with a cat and adequately provide for all of its needs. Doing things right for a feline can only yield great rewards for your quality of life.
