Are you thinking of getting a new cat, or are you already a kitten owner? Either way, there are probably a lot of questions in your head about how best to care for your pet. Cats are unique creatures with all shades of characters; from being fun, independent, playful, smart, frustrating, loving, curious, and are pretty entertaining. Now, considering you’re actively looking for ways to care for them, that says a lot about the extent you’re willing to go to ensure they’re in a comfy situation. Cats are nice pets to have around, and they’re easy to care for, as they don’t require much for their sustenance. But it gets easy once you become familiar with what they need to survive such as their litter boxes, feeding, grooming, general wellbeing, and safety. Once that is well understood, all you need to do is have fun, love, and enjoy your furry friend. Here are other tips you would find helpful.

1. Let Them Feel Safe At All Times

At the initial stage, your cat would be somewhat timid at first, so it’s up to you to make your apartment very welcoming. Don’t be surprised if they get nervous or hides from you, that’s just normal. The reason is that cats aren’t big fans of change, and they would need some time adjusting to their new environment, including the new smells and sounds in your home. What you can do is to create a small safe space in the house for your cat where they can retreat to when they feel like it. Make it comfortable for them by placing a bed in there where they can snuggle down. Go a little bit further by making the bed an enclosed one if you have the means, alongside toys and a blanket. Set up calming diffusers around your apartment and if possible, plug one in each room where the cat would likely spend most of its time. Diffusers essentially release a kind of vapor that is drug-free and odorless. It’s like a clone of the pheromones your cat releases when it’s in an area that is safe and secure. What you’re basically doing with the diffuser is sending signals in the cat’s language that would help improve their mental well-being. As your furry friend gets to feel safe, they no longer respond to stress in a negative like scratching and spraying.

2. Use Various Kinds Of Litter

Cats are generally neat animals, so it’s advisable to have multiple litters for them to use. If possible, have an extra box of litter in the house. Cats can become somewhat territorial about their litter boxes, which is why your cat has enough space. There are cats that prefer soft litter, while some others would prefer crystal litter that wouldn’t be sticking to their fur. If you’ve tried using pretty litter, you’d have noticed its ability to help you examine your cat for abnormalities, which is a little gadget that would save you a great deal of stress. Do remember, however, to keep litter boxes from where there’d be foot traffic and clean it every day.

3. Take Them Out For a Walk

Are you living in a peaceful neighborhood where you can take your dog for a walk without encountering stray dogs? If yes, then you should consider getting a harness, so you can train your pet to walk on a leash. Training your cat this way would require patience on your part and that of the cat. It’s usually best if your cat is still young when you start the training. It would get to a point where your cat can even be tied to a stationary object, enjoying the outdoor scenery while you focus on some other activities. Note, however, that you should never leave them alone when they’re on a leash.

4. Are There Allergies You’re Suffering From?

If the answer is yes, it is important that you consider getting tested for cat allergies before even deciding to adopt or buy a new cat. Yet again, there are certain people whose allergies can easily adapt to their own pet but remain allergic to other pets. To be on the safe side, go for a cat that has low allergens. Reach out to an experienced veterinarian or consult books by seasoned authors on how to know a cat with low allergens.

5. Have Play Time

Find time to play with your cat every day and get various types of toys that can allow your cat to chase, pounce, stalk and kick. Play till they’re exhausted, then keep items that could hurt them or items that they can damage safely from their reach. It’s advisable to watch over them when they’re playing with toys or get someone to do that in your absence. Again, leave out toys that could harm them away if you’re not available. Change your pattern of play or switch up toys regularly.

Cats are friendly pets you can keep that wouldn’t give you a tough time. If you’ve decided to take on one as a pet, the tips listed here would help you and the animals live in peace, harmony, and comfort.