Owners’ Responsibilities
While owning a cat can be rewarding, a person must always remember that they have a responsibility to the animal that is under their care. Before you get a cat, read up on cat behavior. While you can curb some of the bad behaviors, there are many things ingrained in a cat’s psyche that cannot be removed. The first rule of owning a cat, and owning any animal, is to remain patient and responsible.
Of all the responsibilities, feeding the cat has to be easiest to keep. If you are ever late getting food into his or her bowl, the cat will let you know. They have a meow, and they are not afraid to bellow at the top of their lungs until they get fresh food. It is important to note that an empty food bowl means something different to a cat than it does to a human. If a cat can see the bottom of the dish, even in the smallest spot, the cat believes that it is empty. A critical part of cat behavior is they will only eat what they can smell. If the food loses it’s aroma or the cat is too stopped up to smell the food, he will not eat it.
While just as necessary as food, cats do not make as big of a fuss about water. They will sit in front of a dirty dish of water that they would never touch without the slightest bit of complaint. Check the cat’s water frequently. Remember that felines hate anything dirty, so many of them will not touch water with a piece of food floating on top.
Irresponsible cat owners will blame cat spraying on anything but themselves. One of the leading causes for cat accidents is a dirty litter box. A good rule of thumb is change the litter box every other day. Even if it looks like the cat has plenty of litter, the reek might drive the cat away. Wash the litter box thoroughly at least once a month.
Cats require play, and all the toys in the world cannot replace quality time with their owner. Play is more than just a way to pass the time for a cat, it is a time to reflex their feral instincts. Inside every housecat is a raging tiger. The more you play with your cat, the less likely you are to come home to a house full of shredded furniture and curtains. Recognize the difference between behavior problems and normal cat behavior.
A lot of people assume cats are aloof and independent, but it is important to remember that they need our attention and affection. The human companion is one of the most important things in a cat’s life. Some cats refuse to eat if their owners leave. They believe that some predator has killed them and mourn the passing of a dear companion. If you push your cat off you lap too much, he gets offended and scared. They can get depressed and sad, so give them attention whenever you can. Remain calm when the cat interrupts you. The cat just wants to give you a little attention, and he does not understand that he is being inconvenient.
Keep an eye on the cat and watch for any signs of illness. Do not be afraid to get the cat checked out. Regular checkups and vaccinations prolong a cat’s life.
It takes a little work and a lot of understanding, but the right cat can complete your life. Remember that you are the responsible one. The cat’s life is in your hands.
