Have you ever thought about adopting a cat? It’s a decision that will change your life in so many ways: imagine spending your days with a feline companion watching the world go by. Ask yourself: What will a cat bring to your life? The answer is unconditional love. Yes, unconditional love like you’ve never experienced before. No strings attached, no expectations. Cats just want your company and attention – and lots of it!
Plus, when you’re feeling down, a cat can lift your spirits. Studies have revealed that they have been proven to reduce stress and even lower blood pressure. What’s not to love? Adopting a cat can also be a great way to teach children responsibility. You’re not only re-homing a loving pet, but you are also teaching valuable lessons in taking care of another living being.
You can also teach your kids about the rewards of pet ownership: playing fetch, devising games to play, or nursing injured cats back to health. You’ll all feel the rewards of unconditional love – no matter if you’re 8 or 80. Think about it! There’s no better way to experience the unconditional love of a pet than by adopting a cat and sharing that love with your family.
Bringing Home a Cat and Feeding It
Once you’ve found the perfect pet, it’s time to bring them home. Make sure the cat is well fed and taken care of; provide a toy, a bed, and a scratching post. Regularly check their claws and eyes and give them plenty of grooming. Ensure that the cat is fed with the highest quality cat food that fits their age and bring lots of love and comfort.
Don’t forget to provide them with a safe outdoor space. Ideally, the cat should have it own, safe place to roam and explore. From time to time, you may discover a new visitor in the garden – a frog or a mouse – a reminder of the adventures they will have had. A wise pet parent will monitor their outdoor time, as you don’t want them wandering too far.
Finally, ensure you’re well-stocked up with all the necessary cat supplies. You may find that cats like to scratch different surfaces, so it’s important to provide them multiple outlets for this task. What’s more, cats and dogs require different types of flea and worm treatments, so make sure to research before purchasing.
Getting a Cat & Finding the Right Vet in your Area
It’s essential to find a reliable veterinarian in your area who you can trust. Start by making a list of animal clinics in your area and call around to ask questions. Many vet clinics offer free consultations, so be sure to take advantage of it.
Look for clues that signal a good vet: enquire what vaccinations they give cats and ask if they have any referral programs. Check out their office and meet the staff; make sure you are comfortable with the environment and that you can get along with the personnel.
Most importantly, have a list of questions ready that you would like answered, such as what types of treatments they give, what should you do if your cat gets injured and how to deal with heatstroke, among other things.
Cats and Mental Health
It has been said that cats can improve mental health. According to experts, cats can help people deal with feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Owning a cat can greatly reduce feelings of loneliness and provide one with a source of comfort and joy. People who own cats feel more relaxed and less stressed out.
Moreover, having a cat in your home can add an air of positivity and fun. People have reported that their cats make them laugh and smile, which are great ways to reduce stress. And just by petting them can bring relief to people’s troubles.
Cats have also been known to help some people through difficult times in their lives. In particular, seniors and those with disabilities or chronic illnesses have seen drastic improvements in well-being when having a cat in their lives.
Getting to Know Your Cat: How to Bond with Your Feline Friend
It can be difficult to decide how to bond to your new cat. Generally, cats aren’t interested in being held or cuddled. Often, they will just want to explore their new home, sniffing around and getting familiar with the environment. So, try and give them some space.
The best way to bond with a cat is to play with them. It may take a bit of time (and patience) to figure out what kind of play they like – some may prefer a laser pointer while others love a game of tag with a feather toy. You may even find that they’re particularly fond of playing fetch!
Above all, it’s essential to talk to your cat. Not out loud (because cats don’t understand human speech), but make sure to use a soothing, exciting tone that you find comforting. This will help your cat to feel safe with you and enable them to get to know you better.
