Cat Care Tips for Beginners (Things I Wish I Knew)
As a first-time cat parent, it’s always exciting and overwhelming at the same time to take care of a cat. You don’t know what to do, how to do it all!
But soon enough, people learn that cats have their own way of teaching you lessons, and sometimes it can be the hard way.
As a cat parent, I have learned many things I wish I had known earlier. If you’re just starting, the cat care tips for beginners I am going to share today will save you time, money, and a few scratched-up surprises.
So, let’s begin—
6 Actionable Care Tips You Should Not Miss Out
As a new cat parent, I faced most of these challenges myself. I’m listing them here to help you guys connect with your furry friend’s needs right from the beginning.
Tip 1: Cats Hide Illness
Cats are masters at hiding their illness. It’s their natural survival instinct to pretend they are okay when they’re not so that they don’t think they are weak. Thus, house cats are not apart from this. So, try to always keep an eye on subtle changes, like eating less, hiding more, or skipping the litter box.
Small changes in their daily activities can signal bigger problems.
Tip 2: Scratching Is Necessary
As a first-time pet parent, you might have thought of scratching as an odd behaviour of your cat. Something that’s very unnecessary. Surprisingly, some people also assume that their cat is doing such weird activities just to bother them or destroy their furniture.
But the truth is, scratching is a very natural behaviour of cats. Even it’s their natural instinct that keeps them sound, stress-free, and helps to stay fit as well!
According to ResearchGate, scratching is described as a normal expression of a cat’s communication. In the wild, they mark their territory by scratching on trees or other areas. Even scratching helps their claw remain healthy, releases your cat’s stress, and keeps it sound and healthy.
To let your cat feel like it’s home, try to make a few cat scratching posts inside your house. This way, they can scratch whenever they want and will avoid using the sofa as a scratching post.
There are various types of cat scratching posts available in the market. Scratching pads, wheels, trees, and all. When you have various types of cat scratching posts, it will also become easy to train your cat to use a scratching post instead of using the furniture.
Tip 3: Food Matters More Than You Think
Let’s be honest. Most people think animals don’t need high-quality food at all. Even though people believe that animals can eat anything at all, like bones, waste bread pieces, and other waste foods.
The reality is opposite.
Cats need nutritious foods and a healthy diet to stay healthy and fit. Even cats can not have all foods like humans.
Human foods like milk, flour, salty food, and spices are poisonous for cats. So what can you give your cat to eat? You can go for fish, boiled chicken, low-grain, or grain-free cat foods that are specially made for cats. You can prepare specialized diet food for your cats at home.
While handling a cat for the first time, you can ask your vet for a better feeding plan and food. Try to get to know what should be avoided for your cat according to your cat’s health.
Remember, a good-quality diet means better energy, a shinier coat, and fewer vet visits.
Tip 4: Don’t Skimp on Playtime
It’s easy to think cats are low-maintenance because they sleep most of the day.
But the truth is, when they’re awake, they need stimulation. Without enough play, your cats can get bored, anxious, or even aggressive. Besides, boredom often leads cats to scratching furniture, knocking things off shelves, or engaging a late-night zoomies.
So, try to play enough with your cat as it best form of their physical exercise as well. You can get toys like feather wands, laser pointers, or even crumpled paper balls to mimic their hunting behavior.
Playing 15–20 minutes of play twice a day can reduce stress, prevent obesity, and strengthen your bond. You can think of it as your and your cat’s gym session and therapy combined. Just like a win-win deal!
Tip 5: Cat Litter Box Habits Speak About Their Health
Do you know your cat’s litter box habit is a kind of their health report?
Yeah, it’s true!
The litter box speaks to most of your cat’s health conditions. If your cat suddenly stops using it, goes more often than usual, or seems to strain, it might be a sign of a medical problem such as urinary tract infections, kidney issues, or constipation.
Tip 6: Vet Bills Can Surprise You
Here’s the part most first-time cat parents underestimate.
You might think, “I’ll just pay for food and litter.” But vet care can add up fast! Emergency visits, dental cleanings, or surgery can cost hundreds of dollars in one go.
That’s where cat insurance comes in. It helps cover unexpected bills so you don’t have to make heartbreaking choices.
Even if you don’t get insurance, set aside a small emergency fund just for your cat. Trust me, the day you need it, you’ll be glad it’s there.
FAQs on Cat Care Tips for Beginners
1. How often should I take my cat to the vet?
At least once a year for check-ups. For kittens and older cats, more frequent visits are best.
2. Can I leave my cat alone all day?
Yes, but make sure they have enough food, fresh water, and a clean cat litter box. Toys help too.
3. Do cats really need insurance?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s smart. Vet bills can get expensive fast, and insurance gives peace of mind.
Conclusion
Being a cat parent is nothing like rocket science. You don’t need a degree or training to take care of a cat.
All you need is some potential care and a little bit of awareness so you can handle all the situations without getting stressed.
Now you know the most effective cat care tips for beginners, most parents wish someone had told them earlier. Though cats are independent but they rely on you for their well-being. With the right food, care, play, and respect, you’ll have a happy, healthy fur baby who truly feels at home.
