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Caring for a cat: a cat lying on parquet flooring.

Looking after a pet cat: preparing to get a cat

Cats have been man’s companion for thousands of years. These elegant and proud creatures continue to be one of the most popular pets around. If you are looking for a pet that enjoys cuddling and is independent, then a cat could be the ideal pet for you. No matter if you choose to get a kitten or an older cat from an animal shelter or a breeder, if you look after your cat well and give it the attention it needs, it will happily spend its nine lives by your side. In this article we will show you the most important information on how to look after a cat and we will explain what makes a pet cat so unique.

A cat as a pet: indoor cats need enough toys to keep them busy.

Contents

Would a pet cat suit my lifestyle?

Before you get a cat, it is a good idea to think about if a cat would suit your lifestyle and if you would get along with one. Therefore, we will briefly explain the nature of a cat.

Tip

Before you get a cat, it is a good idea to make sure that none of your family members have an allergy to cat hair. Strictly speaking, people who suffer from allergies react to the particles of skin or a cat's saliva, but not to the hair itself. This is why there is no such thing as an “allergy-friendly” cat.

Cat basics: a short profile

From the sleek Balinese cat to the striking Maine Coon: whether slim, strong or muscular – there is a great variety of shapes, colours and sizes amongst well-known cat breeds. The number of different cat breeds is usually estimated at around 100, but not every cat breeding association recognises all breeds. The animals differ in their physique, head shape, coat length and colour.

  • Size: on average, domestic cats have a shoulder height of around 23 to 35 cm, although larger breeds such as the Norwegian Forest Cat can also reach a shoulder height of 40 to 45 cm.

  • Weight: the average cat weighs around 3 to 5 kg. Large breeds can weigh even more.

  • Life expectancy: most cats live between 12 and 20 years. Indoor cats usually have a longer life expectancy than outdoor cats, as they are not exposed to the same everyday dangers.

How to look after a cat: cat behaviour

Cats also differ greatly in character. Your cat's character can be influenced by its breed, gender and individual development. Even if there is generally an overlap between different types of character, no two cats are alike.

  • Individuality: your cat may be shy or bold, sensitive or cheeky, cuddly or rather aloof, but even experienced cat owners will continue to encounter completely new “cat characters”. In most cases, a well-socialised cat is more affectionate. It should not be separated from its mother too early and should ideally have gained positive experiences with people as a kitten. Nevertheless, a cat's character cannot be predicted.

  • Independence: cats are not solitary animals. They need attention on a daily basis but will generally demand your attention when they need it. This means, that a cat cannot be forced to cuddle, and unwanted affection may cause it to scratch you. Respect your cat’s boundaries, especially if you have children. With the support of their parents, children can learn from an early age how to interact with cats safely and appropriately.

  • Curiosity: cats will not only jump onto your sofa, but they also enjoy climbing onto cupboards and shelves, regardless of any things that might get broken in the process. Therefore, you should be prepared to accept their playful and inquisitive nature and cat-proof your shared living space.

  • Hunting instinct: cats love to cuddle but are still hunters at heart. If you have an outdoor cat, your cat may bring its prey home as a "gift" from time to time.

Tip

With the help of their parents, even small children can learn how to properly take care of a cat. Due to their gentle nature, some cat breeds are considered particularly child-friendly, including Angora cats, Ragdolls, Maine Coons and Siamese cats.

Keeping a cat indoors: cats should be able to move about freely in your home.

Before you get a cat: how to keep your cat happy and healthy

Before you get a cat there are some things to consider. Even though cats are more independent and headstrong than dogs, they still need a lot of care and attention. If you would like to get a pet cat, it is a good idea to find out exactly what you will need.

Tip

Cats like to nibble on plants. Therefore, you should be careful with poisonous houseplants such as amaryllis, chrysanthemums, cyclamen, lilies, monocots, poinsettias, ivy, tulips and daffodils. These plants should be kept out of reach of cats at all times or even removed from your home altogether. If you are unsure whether a plant could be dangerous for your cat, remove it to be on the safe side.

How to take care of a cat: indoor and outdoor cats

Before you get a cat, you should decide whether you want to keep your cat indoors or allow it to go outside every day. In most cases, an outdoor cat cannot be retrained as an indoor cat later in life. Vice versa, cats that have been raised indoors, may possibly have difficulties finding their way when outdoors, compared to their more experienced counterparts.

When can I keep my cat outdoors? When should I keep my cat indoors?

Often, it is easier to keep a cat outdoors if you live on the outskirts of town or in a rural area. If you live in a city, traffic can be a real danger to your cat. Under certain conditions, both types of housing are possible. However, this also depends on your living situation and the type of cat.

What you need to know about keeping a cat outdoors

If you keep your cat outdoors, regular vaccinations and deworming treatments are important to minimise the risk of a parasite infestation. During summer it is important to keep an eye on ticks. It is also a good idea to have an outdoor cat neutered.

Keeping a cat indoors: what you need to know

Ideally, you should give your cat access to every room in your home. To avoid restricting their territory even more, windows (including tilting windows) and balconies must be made secure. Scratching posts and safe climbing walls keep them from getting bored. However, as a cat owner, you will need to accept that your little pet (and their cat hair) will be present in your home at all times.

How to look after a cat: will my cat need a companion?

Although cats hunt alone, they are very sociable animals and need regular interaction. For indoor cats, it is therefore recommended to keep at least two cats. Especially when your family is at work or school during the day, having a second cat as a playmate can prevent your cat from getting lonely. Ideally, two cats should grow up together. Littermates are therefore well suited to being kept as a pair.

If you get an older cat from an animal shelter, your cat may already have formed a strong bond with another cat. In this case, you can adopt these animals as a pair. If you bring a second cat into your home at a later date, you should carefully select a suitable companion based on compatible character traits and give them a lot of time to get used to each other.

Will my cat need a companion? There are many reasons to get a second cat, however, there are some exceptions.

  1. Especially (street) cats and older cats that have been loners all their lives have often never learned the right social behaviour and prefer to be alone.

  2. if you allow your cat to go outside every day and meet other cats, it may already have enough social contacts.

How to look after a cat: is it better to get a kitten or an older cat?

A cute kitten is a heartwarming sight for most animal lovers. From the age of 10 to 12 weeks, kittens can be brought home and integrated into your family’s everyday life. However, a kitten is more work than an adult cat because it will first need to be house-trained and learn how to behave. This process takes time and patience.

After getting used to their new environment, even adult cats will find their way around their new home. In most cases, your cat will be house-trained by this point.

However, you must remember that older cats will have a history that you should approach with care and understanding. Once you have gained the trust of your new pet, an older cat can be just as cuddly and playful as a kitten. Deciding to adopt an adult cat from an animal shelter will give you the opportunity to visit and get to know your future pet. This will enable you to see if you get on. If you decide to adopt a cat from a shelter, you are not only giving a cat a second chance, but you are also supporting animal welfare.

Outdoor cats: before you get a cat, it is a good idea to decide if you want your cat to live outdoors.

Cat care: information on what you will need and cat care essentials

Before you get a cat, you should find out more about what it will cost to buy or adopt a cat, any essential equipment, and other costs involved. The price can also vary depending on the cat ‘s breed and whether it is a pedigree cat from a breeder. After all, you should be able to guarantee the long-term well-being of your pet.

Cat equipment essentials: what you will need

The following items should be purchased before your cat moves in:

  • A cat bed, a box to hide in or plush cat cave

  • A blanket

  • Two litter trays, incl. litter

  • A food bowl and water bowl

  • Cat food

  • A cat carrier

  • A scratching post or scratching board

  • A climbing tree

  • Toys, e.g. cat fishing rods, fluffy mice, balls

  • A brush (depending on the condition of your cat’s coat)

  • Tick tweezers (for outdoor cats)

Running costs include cat food and cat litter as well as toys and possibly insurance. In addition to regular veterinary bills, you should also expect further costs in the event of neutering, injury or illness.

You can find more information on looking after cats in our article "Getting a pet”.

Conclusion: creating a good home for your cat

Cats are playful, cuddly and headstrong. Compared to dogs, cats are more independent and less affectionate. This means that they don’t need as much care, but generally they cannot be trained to be obedient like dogs.

Whether you decide to get a kitten or an older cat, and keep it outdoors or indoors, it is important to find out exactly what a cat will need. Before you get a cat, it is also a good idea to think about if you can fulfil these needs. Your cat will need a warm and loving home and if you give it a lot of time and patience to settle in, your cat will be a cuddly yet independent companion.

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References and further information

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/behaviour-and-training/multi-cat-households-does-my-cat-need-a-friend
(Last accessed on 29.02.2024)

https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cats-and-your-family/cats-and-allergies
(Last accessed on 29.02.2024)

https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/dangerous-plants
(Last accessed on 29.02.2024)

https://www.cats.org.uk/media/1023/eg12_indoor_and_outdoor_cats.pdf
(Last accessed on 29.02.2024)

https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/pet-compatibility/best-cats-for-kids
(Last accessed on 29.02.2024)

https://www.icatcare.org/advice/thinking-of-getting-a-cat/
(Last accessed on 29.02.2024)

https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-breeds-4162123
(Last accessed on 29.02.2024)

The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: iStock.com/VioletaStoimenova
1. Image in text: iStock.com/w-ings
2. Image in text: iStock.com/PeopleImages
3. Image in text: iStock.com/konradlew