Living with a cat It's one of the best experiences we can have in our lives. This furry friend, who was once, and still is, believed to be very independent, has proven us wrong. And not just a little, but much more than we could have initially imagined.
The character of this furry is quite similar to ours; perhaps that is why the relationship we can have with him is equally beneficial for both of us. But, How to keep a cat at home And how can we make them truly happy, healthy, and balanced, even if they live in an apartment or don't go outside?
Things you have to know before having the cat at home
Before even bringing a cat home, it's important to learn a little about this animal, as this is the only way to know if choosing a cat is really a good idea or not. In addition to the basics, it's worth reflecting on the lifestyle that we can offer you: if we spend many hours away, if we live in a small apartment, if there are children, if there are already other animals living there, etc.
Cats are not like dogs, and that's part of their charm. They are animals that highly value their autonomyThey love routines and need to feel they have some control over their environment. The better we understand these needs before they arrive, the easier it will be for the adjustment to be successful.
You will receive what you give in return
Unlike a dog, which is almost always willing to please its family, a cat is not. The cat He will only give affection if that is what he receives.And it will only greet us when it is receiving the necessary care and is a truly calm and trusting animal.
This doesn't mean they aren't affectionate; on the contrary, many cats seek out their favorite person, sit beside them, sleep with them, and follow them around the house. But that bond is built with respect, patience and consistencyBy taking care of its diet, health, environment, and need for space, a cat that is well cared for becomes a very loyal companion, even if it expresses it in its own way.
Has a highly developed sense of hearing
It can hear the sound of a mouse from several meters away. Why is this important to know? Because when you live with a cat Avoid making excessive noise or playing music at full volume.Because if we do that, we will scare him and increase his stress level.
Likewise, it's also not a good idea to put a bell on the collar, as the constant jingling can cause [unclear - possibly "distress" or "harm"]. continuous discomfort and even medium- and long-term problems. A quieter and more predictable environment helps the cat feel safe, which is key, especially for fearful or newly adopted cats.
Do not overwhelm
As much as we want it to be with us, we should never force it to do anything or overwhelm it with our attention. A cat is a cat, an animal that, like any other, need your personal spaceIt's not a stuffed animal, but a living being with very clear tastes, fears, and boundaries.
Therefore, we will show him affection, but without excess: if he leaves, we let him go; if he hides, we respect his hiding place; if he hisses or pins his ears back, we interpret that something is bothering him. Respecting these signals not only prevents scratches or bites, but also strengthens confidencebecause the cat learns that it will not be forced.
Need to be cat
To live a full life, it's best to allow him to behave as what he is: a feline. This means that You need to provide him with one or more scratching posts. which it can climb and where it can sharpen its claws, and also Let him climb on secure furnitureCats are three-dimensional animals: they enjoy being on the ground, but they need heights from which to observe everything.
He doesn't particularly like being on the ground all the time, so at a very young age we'll see him climbing wherever he can. If we don't want him to use certain furniture, the key isn't to scold him, but offer attractive alternatives: cat shelves, tall scratching towers, shelves on the wall or even a protected windowsill.
Consider whether your home and lifestyle are suitable
Before bringing a cat home, it's worth considering a few practical issues. If you live in a rented apartment, it's important review the contract to ensure pets are allowed and avoid future problems. We should also consider how many cats we want: in small homes, it's often best to start with one, and if adopting more is desired, it should be done in a planned way and with progressive presentations.
Furthermore, although the size of the apartment matters, the layout of the rooms And the feline equipment: that there are places of refuge, elevated areas, distributed resources (food bowls, water bowls, litter boxes) and paths that allow the cat to move around without feeling cornered. Even in small apartments, a very enriched environment can be achieved if the space is well thought out.
How to take care of a cat?
Caring for a cat is not just about providing food and water. For it to be balanced, it needs a safe environmentProper nutrition, daily stimulation, good hygiene, and veterinary care are all essential. All of this can be easily organized, even in an apartment, provided you plan ahead.
Accessories you need
Once we have decided to acquire or adopt it, the first thing we will have to do is buy everything that you will need: feeder and drinker, scraper, toys, bed, litter tray with scoop and sandAll these things should be put in the room we have chosen for him, except for the sandbox, which is better kept, for example, in the bathroom or anywhere away from his food.
In addition, it is highly recommended to have a secure pet carrier From day one. It will be essential for taking him to the vet and for any outings. Ideally, leave the carrier open at home like it's another bed, with a blanket and a treat, so he associates it with a comfortable place and not just with vet visits.
Free access to food and water (adapted to each cat)
Especially if we are going to spend time away from home, it is highly recommended always leave clean, fresh water available.Cats are naturally not big drinkers, so it helps a lot to offer several water sources distributed around the house or even automatic sourceswhich often encourage them to drink more.
Regarding food, we can leave the food bowl full of high-quality food (without grains or by-products) if the cat self-regulates well and doesn't tend to be overweight. For cats that are very greedy or eat due to anxiety, it's preferable to... ration food in several feedings a day or use interactive feeders that force them to "hunt" for food, thus also satisfying their foraging instinct.
Protection at home
Home should be a safe place, Therefore, it will be necessary for us to take some measures before the cat or kitten arrives:
- We will put safety nets on doors and windowsespecially on high floors or balconies, to prevent falls.
- We will store all products that may be dangerous, such as insecticides, detergents, medication, pesticides, and also plastic bags, needles, rubber bands and similar items.
- We will keep the doors of the washing machine, dryer, oven and dishwasher closed at all times, checking the inside before using them.
- We'll wrap the cables with heavy-duty tape or plastic tubing to prevent them from being chewed or tangled.
- We'll check if there is one at home. toxic plants for cats (such as azaleas, lilies or flowering bay leaves) and we will remove them or place them out of their reach.
All these details make the apartment a truly "cat-proof" space, minimizing the risk of everyday accidents.
Daily games and environmental enrichment
So that you are in good shape, in addition to having a good mood, you have to spend time with it and play with it for a little bit every day. In pet stores we will find a great variety of toys, but surely at home we will have or can get some rope or cord, a cardboard box large enough to be able to make a hole through which it can enter and exit, or paper aluminum with which to make balls the size of golf.
Beyond the game, it's important to think about the environmental enrichmentA good feline environment should offer horizontal and vertical scratching posts, elevated areas for observation, comfortable hiding places, and a variety of toys that are rotated to prevent boredom. Indoor cats can be very happy if they have ample opportunities to explore, climb, safely observe from the window, and play every day.
Hygiene and sandbox
The litter box is one of the key elements of a cat's well-being. Ideally, it should be located in a quiet placeaway from its food and water, and large enough for it to turn around comfortably. In homes with several cats, it is advisable to follow the rule of «one litter box per cat + one extra» to avoid conflicts and accidents outside the box.
The litter should be pleasant to the touch, without strong perfumes, and it's advisable to remove feces and urine daily. In addition, the litter should be completely changed periodically, and the tray washed with a neutral, odor-free product. A clean litter box is not only more hygienic for the house; it's also essential for the cat's well-being. Don't associate that place with something unpleasant. and start avoiding it.
Health
From time to time you will need to take him to the vet, either to have the microchip implanted, or for the Vaccines, castrate him or to treat it in some diseaseEven cats that live exclusively indoors benefit from regular checkups, basic vaccinations, and a regular dewormingbecause some parasites can arrive home on our clothes or shoes.
If we suspect our cat isn't well, it's best to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Cats tend to hide the pain and discomfortTherefore, small changes in their behavior (eats less, hides more, meows differently, urinates outside the litter box) can be early signs that something is wrong.
How to adapt your apartment to make your cat happy
It's not always possible to let a cat outside, especially when the location of the home doesn't allow it. Even so, an indoor cat You can also lead a very happy life If we adapt the environment correctly. The key is to offer security, stimulation, and sufficient resources so that it can express its natural behavior.
Apartment size and number of cats
You don't need to live in a huge house to have a cat. The most important thing isn't so much the overall size as the... number of rooms and how the feline resources are organized. A good starting point is to have no more cats than available rooms, so that they can all retire to rest without disturbing each other.
If your cat is timid or has a strong need for shelter, it may be advisable to further limit the number of animals and people sharing the apartment. This prevents them from feeling constantly invaded and gives them the opportunity to... choose your own spaces where you feel completely safe.
Windows, balconies and sources of danger
Cats love to sit on windowsills to watch the world go by and bask in the sun. However, windows and balconies can be dangerous if they aren't properly secured. Install specific safety nets for cats It is a fundamental investment to avoid falls and unnecessary scares, especially on high floors.
Furthermore, it's advisable to get used to Always close the toilet lidCheck the washing machine and dryer before turning them on, and keep potentially toxic foods and plants out of their reach. These small gestures transform your home into a truly safe space where your cat can move freely.
Minimum equipment for an indoor cat
Compared to an outdoor area, an apartment is small, so it is essential that the feline equipment It should be well thought out. Some basic elements are:
- Tall and sturdy scratching posts, placed in areas where the family spends time, such as the living room.
- High areas (shelves, racks or secure furniture) from which you can observe everything.
- Cozy hiding places: caves, igloos, cardboard boxes or corners with blankets.
- Sufficient sandboxes, in quiet and accessible locations.
- Different food and water points, separate from the bathing area.
With these resources, even a small apartment can be transformed into a rich and stimulating territorywhere the cat feels like king of its little world.
Benefits of living with one
If you like animals and especially felines, share life with a cat is going to provide you moments of joy and fun. Of course, there will be bad times as well, but the good ones certainly make up for them. Although they may not seem like it at first, when you have finally made them feel safe and trust you, they show their true self, and they are adorable.
They are animals silent, respectful of their environment, loving when they feel safe and Very intelligent. They can learn basic tricks if they are taught patiently and with small treats. Furthermore, purring is associated with a stress reduction and has been linked to positive effects on the cardiovascular health of the people they live with.
Living with a cat also encourages us to maintain routines, to observe the small details of daily life more, and to practice... patience and empathyWe learn to respect their space, to read their body language, and simply enjoy their quiet presence on the sofa, in bed, or in their favorite corner of the house.
If you finally decide to take the cat home, with a prepared environmentWith proper routines and a lot of respect for their feline nature, wonderful moments and a very special coexistence await you for many years.