New cat owners should know that cats don't need to be walked, they bury their waste, kittens shouldn't drink milk, regular deworming is important, and you don't need a lot of toys.
40 Essential Cat Care Tips for New Owners
1. Cats do not need to be walked. We walk dogs for their health and to solve their potty issues. Cats don't need to go outside to relieve themselves; they are comfortable indoors.
2. They eliminate waste and bury it themselves. Provide a litter box and cat litter, and cats will urinate and bury their waste on their own. However, we must clean it regularly. Litter, food, and a litter box are the three must-haves for cat owners. There is no need to buy cat collars (anti-flea collars, bells, etc.). Wearing a collar for a long time can cause the cat's neck hair to wrinkle and stick together. Do not dress your cat in clothes; cats do not like to be restrained.
Nutrition for Kittens
3. Do not give kittens milk without proper consultation. Some cats are naturally lactose intolerant and will experience diarrhea after drinking milk. Instead, use kitten milk replacer if needed and consult a vet for the best diet for your kitten.
4. A cat's staple food should be a suitable dry food, constituting at least 50% of their diet. Always choose high-quality cat food appropriate for their age.
Cat's Daily Life and Health
5. Cats sleep 16-20 hours a day. Be aware of fragile items such as tableware, cups, and vases in your home, as they can easily be knocked off by your cat.
6. Internal and external parasite prevention is crucial. Even indoor cats should be dewormed at least twice a year. Avoid feeding your cat unclean food.
7. Check your cat's ears every week. If they look black and dirty, put a few drops of ear cleaning solution, gently massage the base of the ear, and then use a cotton swab to wipe dry after a few minutes.
8. Seek veterinary attention immediately when your cat is sick. Because cats are small, any illness can lead to serious consequences. Consult a veterinarian and do not take chances with your cat's health.
9. Cats vomiting is generally normal. They groom themselves daily and may vomit hairballs.
10. If you live in a high-rise building, consider sealing your balcony based on your cat's activity level. This can cost around 500-1000 RMB (including labor) depending on the balcony size and materials used.
Dealing with Cat Behavior
11. Cats like to chew on electrical cords. Computer power cords, phone data cables, and earphone wires are all targets. When your cat is chewing on a wire, immediately stop it and let it know that it's not allowed. After several warnings, your cat should stop biting wires. Simultaneously, store unused wires safely away.
12. After bathing your cat, make sure to dry it thoroughly. If not dried promptly, there is a risk of ringworm. Do not bathe your cat too frequently; once a month is generally enough.
13. Cats like to scratch. You should provide them with a scratching post and apply catnip to entice them, preventing them from damaging your furniture.
14. For short trips, avoid sending your cat to a pet boarding facility. Cats are afraid of unfamiliar environments and can develop stress reactions. Instead, leave enough food, water, and litter for them at home, and it is best to have a friend check on them daily.
15. Cats should be spayed or neutered after 6-8 months. Neutering is simpler for male cats, while spaying for females requires removing the ovaries or uterus.
16. Cats do not need many toys. They can have fun with just a feather.
17. Cats need to be groomed regularly. Cats love to be brushed, especially when they shed heavily in spring and summer. This helps reduce the amount of hair they ingest, preventing hairballs.
18. Ways to clean up cat hair: Use a vacuum cleaner for floors and beds, a damp cloth for sofas and tables, and tape for cleaning hair off clothes.
Feeding and Safety
19. If feeding raw meat, freeze it for 48 hours before thawing it to room temperature before feeding. However, it is generally best to avoid feeding your cat raw meat!
20. Pet your cat in places they cannot reach themselves, such as their forehead and shoulder blades. Do not pull your cat’s tail. It’s an important organ for balance. Do not trim their whiskers; they use them to sense space.
21. Do not let cats play with cotton threads and fine wires. They might swallow them, which can lead to digestive problems, vomiting, or even intestinal blockages. Avoid feeding long, stringy food.
22. When playing with your cat, they might accidentally hurt you when they get too excited. It's not intentional, so avoid getting angry or scolding them. Trim the tips of their nails by 3mm to reduce accidental injuries.
23. If your cat bites your finger, even if it doesn't hurt much, show that you are in pain. Cats read facial expressions, and they will let go. After a few times, they will refrain from biting.
24. If your cat scratches you, do not scold them. Wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and apply iodine. Calmly explain to them that their actions hurt you.
25. Cat bites and scratches carry a risk of rabies. If bitten by an unknown cat, seek medical attention immediately and get a rabies vaccine. If bitten by your indoor cat, don't panic, just disinfect to prevent bacterial infection.
Understanding Your Cat
26. Cats use their noses to explore the world, followed by scratching, then their mouths and teeth.
27. Cat paws are their only sweat glands. Trim the hair between their paw pads when the weather is hot.
28. Cats have weak color perception. They have a limited ability to distinguish colors.
29. Cats are nearsighted. They can see clearly only within a distance of about 25cm.
30. Mother cats make loud and piercing noises when giving birth to kittens.
31. Like humans, every cat has a different personality. Older cats tend to be more stubborn.
32. Slow blinking by a cat is an expression of love and affection.
33. Cats can sense human emotions. They might comfort you when you're sad or cry. They may quietly stay by your side when you are angry.
34. Cats have learning capabilities. They can imitate the behavior of other cats, and they can understand simple human actions. For example, they will scratch the door if they see someone else open it.
35. Cats love to sunbathe. If possible, prepare a small sunbathing spot by the window for them.
36. The skin at the back of a cat's neck has fewer nerve endings, so they won't struggle if you grab them there.
37. When a cat is running wildly around the house, gently stroke it a few times, and it will stop. Cats are clean animals, and they do not want their fur to be messy. After being petted, they immediately start grooming themselves.
38. If you put your finger upright in front of them, they will immediately stop what they are doing and cautiously sniff it! (Do not make rude gestures at your cat).
39. Be prepared for the day they might leave you. All companionship is temporary. While they are here, cherish them. When they leave, your memories will be all that remains.
40. A cat's constitution and diet can cause chin acne, which can cause hair loss and swelling. Clean the affected area with mild soapy water and apply erythromycin ointment to reduce inflammation.