1. Preparations before welcoming a cat
Before bringing a cat home, you need to make adequate preparations:
- **Safety environment inspection**: put away wires, poisonous plants (such as lilies), and small, easy-to-swallow items
- **Necessary supplies purchase**: cat litter, litter box, food and water bowl, cat scratching board, comfortable cat bed
- **Isolation area setting** (multi-cat family): prepare a separate adaptation space for the new cat
- **Window sealing measures**: install screens or protective nets to prevent falling
2. Daily diet management of cats
### 1. Nutritional requirements
- **Protein**: Cats are strict carnivores and require a high-protein diet (30-50%)
- **Water intake**: Dry food contains about 10% water, and wet food contains about 70-80% water
- **Taboo foods**: Chocolate, onions, grapes, alcohol, etc. are toxic to cats
### 2. Feeding suggestions
- **Kittens**: 3-4 times/day, special kitten food
- **Adult cats**: 2-3 times/day, pay attention to calorie control to prevent obesity
- **Senior cats** (over 7 years old): easy-to-digest formula, joint health supplements can be added
III. Health care points
### 1. Routine medical care
- **Vaccination**: Core vaccines (cat plague, herpes virus, etc.) are vaccinated on time
- **Deworming plan**: Internal and external deworming once a month/quarterly
- **Sterilization surgery**: Recommended for 6-8 months of age to reduce behavioral problems and disease risks
### 2. Daily care
- **Hair combing**: Daily for long-haired cats, 2-3 times a week for short-haired cats
- **Teeth cleaning**: Special toothbrush or finger sleeve, 2-3 times a week
- **Nail trimming**: Once every 2-3 weeks, pay attention to avoid blood lines
IV. Behavioral training and environmental enrichment
### 1. Basic training
- **Cat litter usage**: Try to choose tofu cat litter, which is less irritating to cats and keep the litter box clean
- **Stop scratching furniture**: Provide enough scratching boards and guide them in time
- **Socialization training**: Kitten period is the golden period (2-7 weeks)
V. Care during special periods
### 1. Kitten period (0-12 months)
- Depends on mother cat before 4 weeks, requires professional care
- Gradually weaned from mother cats at 4-8 weeks and transition to solid food
- Exposure to various sounds, people and other animals during the critical period of socialization
### 2. Old age (over 7 years old)
- Physical examination twice a year, monitor kidney function, etc.
- Provide litter boxes and rest areas that are easy to access
- Pay attention to signs of cognitive dysfunction (day and night reversal, getting lost, etc.)
Remember that each cat is a unique individual, and the owner needs to patiently observe and adapt to its personality characteristics. The key to building a trusting relationship with cats is to respect their autonomy, provide a stable rhythm of life and a safe environment. Regularly record the cat's weight, diet and excretion, which are very helpful for health monitoring. When there are any health or behavioral concerns, it is the wisest choice to consult a professional veterinarian in time.
