Cats are cute, cuddly, and a lot of fun. But if you have never lived with a cat before, you may be in for a few surprises. Here are 14 things I wish I knew before getting a cat.
Cats are not low-maintenance
The first thing you should know before getting a cat is that cats are not as low maintenance as you may have heard. These animals require a lot of play, stimulation and enrichment, especially if you’re adopting a kitten. Kittens have a lot of energy. That is why many people suggest adopting two kittens rather than one.
They are crepuscular
Another thing you need to know about cats is that they get very active at night.
Cats are crepuscular animals meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. So don't be surprised if your cat gets crazy zoomies and starts running around the house and jumping on your face when you're getting ready to go to bed.
Clay litter is not the best choice
Many cat owners use clay litters. But there are better alternatives. But clay litters may produce silica dust.
There's also lots of toxins and chemicals in the clay litter. Pine litter or wood pellets are better alternatives. These litters smell good, they are compostable, healthier, less messy, and they effectively control the odors.
Cats are insanely obsessed with their humans
Cats have a reputation for being aloof and antisocial, but they are actually very affectionate with the people they like, and they need regular social interaction with their human.
Of course, this has to be on their schedule. Don’t be surprised if your cat drops a toy on your head at 3am or knock your phone over when they decide it is time to cuddle.
Many cats will follow their owners from room to room because they look to them for company and love.
You have to trim their nails, and they hate it
Your cat's claws will grow long and sharp, so you will need to trim them every two weeks.
Another thing you need to know is that many cats turn into a crazed animal at the sight of the nail trimmers. Introduce nail trimming to your kitten's routine from a very young age and make it a normal part of their month so they get use to the procedure.
Some people use cruel tactics like declawing, but declawing is torturous to cats.
They bite you often.
Unexpected biting, even while your cat is playing with you, is a very common occurrence.
Cats bite for a variety of reasons. They may bite out of fear, to assert dominance, or to demand attention. Cats may even bite you to show you affection, but often with gentle and more controlled nibbles.
But remember, never use your hands to tussle or wrestle with your kitten as that may teach them inappropriate interactions such as clawing and biting at human fingers!
You will need to start in a small room
Keep in mind that it is normal for cats to hide for the first few days because they are yet to get accustomed to all the new sounds, sights, and smells, and warm up to their new environment.
When you bring a new cat home, it's important to put them in a small enclosed room or area. A smaller area allows you and your pet to get to know each other without your cat running away and hiding.
They get into everything
The next thing you should know before getting a cat is that they get into everything, like your drawers, cabinets, the dishwasher, sinks, or even chimneys. It's really easy to lose a cat so you may want to get a collar with a bell on them so you can keep track of where your pet is in your house.
You will need to setup a schedule
Cats are creatures of habit, and they depend on us to keep their surroundings stable and predictable. Any change in their daily routine or environment can cause them to stress out. Feeding a cat at regular times provides the security and predictability of a routine.
Milk may upset your cat's stomach
Although feeding cow’s milk to cats is thoughtful as a pet lover, it hurts them more than it helps. This is because most cats are lactose intolerant.
You don’t need to buy them expensive toys
You can buy your cat some really cool toys, but most cats find more joy in playing with simple household items like toilet paper rolls, boxes, crumpled papers, hair ties, and socks. Give these objects to your cat and they will love you for it.
They chew up everything
The next thing you need to know before you adopt a cat is that cats can chew up your plants, cords, wires, you name it.
On that note, keep in mind that cats get into everything and on everything. They tend to knock over everything, including cups, plants, candles, and their water bowl.
You will need to keep your windows closed
Windows without screens pose a great threat to your cat when they're open. Every year, animal hospitals treat cats who have fallen from great heights, often out of windows of multi-story buildings.
You will need to say goodbye to your blinds.
For cats, a window perch can be an endless source of entertainment. TMake sure to leave your shades open for their benefit.
