Cat care can be a little puzzling for people who have never owned a cat, especially those who have only previously owned dogs as pets. According to some, cats are hostile, violent, and don’t form bonds with their owners like dogs do.
We see clients at our pet care facility who have acquired stray cats or who have a cat-owning partner and are interested in learning how to properly care for their new pets.
Here are some things you should know about cat care if you fall into any of these categories or if you adore cats but have never had any.
Cats, like dogs, desire a lot of playtime.
Cats, according to some, are lethargic and just want to sleep. Cats play differently than dogs, but they both need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Cats require short bursts of playfulness to satisfy their innate desires, in contrast to dogs. Using a cat wand to make gradual movements can help cats imitate hunting behavior. A cat toy or rattle ball filled with catnip will keep your cat busy because cats love to pursue things. If your cat also likes to play alone, you might want to get them an electronic toy that is specifically made for chasing.
There is a difference between caressing a dog and a cat.
Although many cats also like cuddling, some people say they prefer dogs because they are simpler to cuddle with.
It’s important to follow the cat’s lead when touching them. All you have to do is follow the cat’s hand as it indicates where it wants to be scratched and petted.
Like dogs, some cats even enjoy having their bellies stroked, however this varies from cat to cat!
Cats can be trained, but they cannot be disciplined.
It’s a common misperception that cats don’t care about people outside of feeding time. Like dogs, cats can be trained; you simply need to use different methods.
Cats don’t respond well to punishment. They cannot be persuaded that their behavior was wrong by shouting or reprimanding. The solution is positive reinforcement.
With the right incentives and training techniques, cats can be taught to shake hands, come when called, and perform other “dog” skills.
You are also capable of walking cats.
Like dogs, cats can be trained to walk on a leash with the right kind of socialization. Although teaching a cat to walk in a harness may take longer than teaching a dog, cats can be trained to walk with lots of positive reinforcement!
A lot of cats like being outside. Leash walks are a great way to give your cat some much-needed exercise and give them the opportunity to explore a larger area, which will make your cat feel more comfortable in its environment.
Dogs and cats require different diets.
Cats metabolize nutrition differently than dogs do. One of the most important aspects of cat care is giving them a healthy, balanced diet, which entails giving them smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
Cats can easily acquire weight, but they have a harder time losing it than dogs, so it’s important to control how much they eat.
Similar to humans, dogs’ bodies break down excess fat when they are hungry. However, if their food portions are suddenly raised or lowered, cats may suffer organ damage because they are unable to break down accumulated fat.
Cats show their love for you in numerous ways.
Cats do care about their owners, unlike what many people think. People frequently mistake cats’ independence for apathy since they are autonomous beings.
Although cats are affectionate creatures, their displays of love differ from those of dogs.
Cats see people as a safe haven and a part of their domain. If they trust you, cats will typically lie on top of you or brush up against you. They say, “This is my human,” in this way.
Cats purr primarily when they are happy, though they do so for a variety of reasons. It is their own way of talking to others.
Since cats are solitary creatures, their preference to remain near you is the clearest sign that they like your company. Your cat is expressing her love for you if she enjoys observing you or blinks her eyes slowly. We call those slow blinks “cat kisses”!
As a token of appreciation for making your life so much more enjoyable, give your cat the greatest pet care available in Ask4Petgrooming! Allow our skilled groomers at Ask4petgrooming to style your kitty friend so they can remain content and healthy.