Cat Owner
Manual
You're preparing for a new family member, I see. A kitten,
you say? And I also see you have a checklist of everything you
think you need prior to the cat even stepping foot in the
house. Good for you. Well, let's see what's on your list now,
think of this as a "cat owner manual":
1. Cat food. Good. There's nothing worse than bringing any pet
home and realizing you don't have anything for him to eat. And
while it sounds silly and very basic, we've all found ourselves
in that position at one time or another.
2. Cat litter and a litter box. Excellent. I also see you
bought the scoopable litter. Absolutely a great choice. Without
a doubt, it's one of the best inventions mankind ever devised.
Get the "pooper scooper" and scoop about any litter that's
dirty. This way you don't have to change an entire litter box
every other day or so.
3. Toys. My, perhaps you went a little overboard. But you did
well. You're trying very hard not to let your new friend get
bored. Now, you know, sometimes cats are like kids. With
children, you buy them a toy and they end up playing with the
box. Don't be surprised if you cat finds an empty box and
starts playing. He may even prefer to play with an empty paper
bag.
You new friend will be absolutely delighted with just about
anything if he's in a playful mood. I've had a few cats that
not only played with my ink pens, but take them apart. Now if I
can only teach him to put it back together again. You'll find
he'll discover a whole host of toys in the house that you've
never even thought could be used in the ways your cat will use
them. Also, remember that cat toys make a great gift for cat
owners.
4. A good reliable veterinarian. Your cat may not appreciate
this right now. But if you find a good veterinarian before you
bring your cat home, then there won't be any interruption or
problems with your new pet receiving good medical care.
If you've never had to choose a veterinarian before, ask your
friends with pets what doctor they use. If they're happy,
they'll let you know. And if they're not happy, they'll
probably really let your know. Call local animal shelters as
well. They will steer you if you ask, not only to the best, but
to the least expensive ones. You may also be able to find
reliable veterinarian services from the Human Society in your
area. Check either on line or in your local phone book. You'll
receive a good service at a reasonable price and you'll know
that absolutely everyone involved in the organization has a
love of animals.
5. A brush. Buy a brush with which to groom your cat. This
helps the two of you bond. But more than that, this also helps
control shedding. You'll appreciate the fact that less of his
fur is on your clothes and furniture. And he'll appreciate that
there's less fur for him to groom himself. That reduces his
chances of getting hairballs. (Actually, you'll both appreciate
that!)
6. Patience. Don't forget to be patient with your new friend.
You'll be bringing him into unknown terrain when he comes home
with you. Give him a chance to investigate his environment as
well as to "sniff out" strange new smells – that's how he
learns about his world. Be patient with him as he tries to
learn the rules. The rules of discipline for a dog and cat are
completely different. On one hand, cats are great. You just
have to admire a cat's determination. You tell him no; you
gently take him off the kitchen counter. You turn around and
he's back on the kitchen counter. Smiling at you, no less!
7. Love. And the most essential of all ingredients of all to
make you the ultimate cat owner? Why love, of course! As long
as you love your new pet (Look into his eyes! How could you not
love that cute little feline?)
If you have enough love and patience, then everything else
about cat ownership will work itself out. Now, go out and
retrieve your new pet. She's been expecting you.
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