this post was submitted on 06 Jan 2024
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Lots of good advice here. Just some extra tips from someone that's spent over 40yrs around cats. Keep in mind cats are all different. A toy one cat loves, another might have 0 interest in. Your cat may not respond to catnip or catnip alternatives. It may want to drink running water over still water. If it's a indoor cat, it might even be picky about the type of litterbox/litter used. It may live for cuddles and belly rubs or not like to be touched much at all beyond the occasional ear scratch (Generally though, the more it's handled at a really young age can help determine how much it enjoys that).
Try to stick with whatever food your cat was eating before you got it, and don't go crazy introducing treats, even natural options like raw meat/fish/offal. They can have really sensitive tummies and upsetting that balance can equal diarrhea everywhere. You can switch to a different brand/type of food but it needs to be a gradual transition to get them used to it first. Having dry food available 24-7 and wet food offered a couple times a day is the healthiest way to go, according to our vet.
For bedding, your cat will sleep wherever it wants, but sunny spots tend to be preferred, and if it's an actual pet bed, one that offers a bit of seclusion is usually a good idea. They're ambush predators, so they usually like the "cat cave" or semi enclosed styles of bedding. Cat window beds are pretty awesome for daytime lounging.
Like others have said, tree is a must. Get a decent pair of claw trimmers and learn how to use them. Touch/massage kitty's paws regularly if you can, so that it isn't a fight every time you need to do a trim.
Good luck with worm pills. Watch how your vet does it, watch some YouTube videos on other methods, and then mentally prepare for battle.
Almost forgot! I've never had a cat that didn't enjoy playing with the little plastic ring that's left on milk after you open it. Don't cut it off, try to leave it intact by prying it off with something like a butter knife. They tend to like the milk smell, it's easy for them to pick up both with paw or jaw, and it skitters nicely across tiles or wood. I've had 2 cats pick up "fetch" very quickly with those things.
Never expected to get such detailed answers when writing this question haha! Thanks a lot ๐