A guide to teaching your children how to safely handle a cat

For a child, there’s nothing quite as exciting as getting a first pet. Often, that’s a cat, as parents know that they can be tactile and safe family pets.

However, handling a cat doesn’t always come naturally to kids. After all, we’ve all winced at the sight of a child carrying a cat by their shoulders, their elongated body swaying left to right. The cat might be easygoing enough to put up with this, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a safe or recommended method of handling.

So, how should you handle a cat? In this guide, we’ll cover a few crucial points to keep in mind, as well as how best to teach them to your child to ensure a pleasant experience – for both them, and the cat.

Let them learn from example

We know that children learn best from watching their caregivers and siblings. That being said, think first about how you handle the cat, before letting your child give it a go.

Remember that your child is sensitive to your emotional reactions, and if they feel that you are anxious when interacting with the cat, they too are likely to feel anxious when it comes to their turn. Try to demonstrate how you hold, carry and pet the cat, so that your child knows what to expect, and can then copy your actions.

Teaching this to multiple children at once can feel like a struggle, but can work in your favour, as siblings and friends will tend to encourage and support each other, making the experience feel much more like a playdate than a lesson.

Help them to empathise with the cat

Talk to your child about how the cat might be feeling in each given moment. Perhaps their back is arched, because they are feeling defensive, or they’re laying on their back, because they are feeling calm and receptive to being handled.

If you ask your child what they think the cat might be telling them through its behavioural cues, they will learn to be more in-tune with its mood and behaviour, and be better equipped for interacting with the cat alone.

Supervise their first interactions

Most children want to be gentle and kind when handling pets. While they may try their best, they are often unaware of how heavy handed they are.

It’s good to keep an eye on your child as they interact with any new cat, for at least the first few meetings. This way, you can be present to guide them and engage in active conversation throughout the experience.

Although rare, unsupervised interactions can lead to bites and scratches for your child if the cat is provoked, and potentially worse harm for the cat if they are mishandled.

Don’t panic

Above all, try not to micromanage when your child first interacts with a cat. It might be tempting to rush in if the first stroke of the cat’s tail isn’t as well received as you had hoped, but it’s best to hold off if you can. This way, your child can build their confidence and will begin to put their intuition to use when it comes to playing with the cat.

Overall

Cats are a wonderful animal that are extremely safe for children to interact with in usual circumstances. Empathy and compassion are crucial when it comes to handling and interacting with any animal – after all, our pets are a part of the family, and we therefore owe them as much love and respect as any other family member.

Click on the links in the article to see where it takes you.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Hiring a Cat Sitter - Things You Should Never Do

Hiring a Cat Sitter - Things You  Should Never Do

Need someone to care for your feline friend? You can hire a cat sitter! But when hiring a cat sitter, there are a few things that you should never do!

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Nutrition do's and don'ts for cats

Nothing can substitute a good diet and its health benefits and cats are no exception to this rule. The best way to make your cat friend thrive is to provide it with the best possible nutrition, love, and care. And don't forget: cats in the wild are obligate carnivores, unlike dogs who act more like omnivores.

Even though its lifestyle greatly differs from her ancestors', your cat likely still retains most of her instincts and nutritional requirements. It means that it requires food almost entirely based on protein and fat. With that in mind, nutrition for cats and its do's and don'ts are based on a few very simple rules.

Insight into cat nutrition

It is extremely important to maintain a strong relationship between your cat and its veterinarian, since only they can recommend the best diet for your feline pet. This is partly due to varying requirements cats have at different life stages. Pregnant and lactating cats will need certain supplements in their diet, newborns will drink only milk for a few weeks, and young, adult, and senior cats will all have different nutritional needs.

Throughout your cat's life, you will need to change and adjust its diet, as carefully as possible. Sometimes, you might need to reach out for supplements and vitamins, but only after consulting your cat's veterinarian. Finally, you should avoid common feeding mistakes in cats to keep your pet healthy. Grass that felines sometimes munch on helps with the process of digestion but doesn't have nutritional value. It is a mistake to assume that a diet rich in vegetables benefits cats, as they don't have the enzymes needed to digest veggies.

The most important cat nutrition do's and don'ts

When you're buying cat food, take a good look at the nutrition table on the packaging as well as the list of ingredients. If the list starts with carbohydrates or the list of grains and vegetables is longer than the list of meat, avoid the product. Carbs make cat food less expensive, but cheap cat food will actually cost you more in the long run, not to mention that it is likely not beneficial to your cat.

A way of providing proper nutrition for cats is in the balancing act between an affordable and nutritious diet. However, it is not only food that matters in a cat's life, even though cats make it seem like that. Note that only a happy living environment for your furry friend combined with proper nutrition will keep your cat healthy and extend its life.

Cat nutrition do's

  • Always look for a note from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the cat food packaging stating that the food is balanced and meets cats’ nutritional requirements.

  • Feed your cat at dawn and dusk, as those are the times they would normally hunt for food in nature. Most cats will eat only as much as they need, so you can leave the food out. However, if your pet is not a very good judge of that, always feed them at a specific time and then put all the food away until the next meal.

  • On average, a cat's ideal daily intake is about 200 calories, although the number of calories depends on the cat's age, size, and lifestyle. Your cat's vet will tell you exactly how much your pet should eat in a day.

  • If your pet's favorite food is not sold anymore, you need to know how to best change your cat's food to a new brand and maintain its required nutritional value. Once again, read the labels carefully and consult with the vet.

  • Give commercial cat food to your pet, as it is specifically formulated for cats. However, if you wish to feed your cat the food that you've prepared, talk to your vet first.

  • Make sure your cat has its own food bowl and wash it regularly to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.

  • Always make sure that your cat has access to fresh drinking water, especially during hot months. If their diet consists mostly of wet food (moisture content of about 75% to 78% water) cats will drink less water, but they still need it. In comparison, the water content in dry foods ranges from 6% to 10%.

Cat nutrition don'ts

  • Avoid giving your cat cow's milk and raw eggs. Cats are lactose intolerant. Aside from the risk of salmonella, frequent consumption of raw eggs can cause skin inflammation, hair loss, and poor hair growth to your cat.

  • Don't overdo it with raw meat. While raw meat is the closest to what they'd eat in the wild, it also may contain bacteria such as salmonella, listeria, E. coli, or parasites. Take very good care when you're feeding your cat raw meat.

  • Don't give your cat raw fish. Raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), whose deficiency causes serious neurological problems in cats, even leading to convulsions and, in the worst-case scenario, coma.

  • Don't provide vitamins and supplements to your cat if they already have a balanced diet. A vitamin overdose for cats and humans alike is dangerous just like a vitamin deficiency. If your cat has some health issues, then vitamins, supplements, and cat nutrition go hand in hand, with the vet's approval, of course.

  • Don't give your cat your leftovers or too many treats between meals. Most human food is not nutritious to cats, and too many treats will surely lead to obesity. How many treats is optimal? Between 5% and 10% of their daily calory intake.

  • Don't let the wet food sit in your cat's bowl for too long. After an hour, there will be too much bacteria, causing your cat digestive problems.

If your cat ever becomes overweight, it is partly due to an unbalanced diet and partly due to lack of activity. Your vet will study your cat's case and recommend the best course of action.

Click HERE to see what products we recommend or on the pictures and the links in the article to see where it takes you.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Cat Vaccinations 101: Everything You Need to Know

We can all agree that vaccines are vital as they keep some of the worst diseases at bay. When it comes to cats vaccines, there are many widespread rumours on their side effects. This has left many cat owners asking whether to or not to vaccinate their furry friends. To put your mind at ease, here is everything you need to know about cat vaccinations.

Are Vaccines Necessary?

Vaccines protect your cat against fatal and contagious diseases. Vaccines also help your cat fight future infections as they trigger immune responses.  Cat vaccinations have saved many felines from some of the worst diseases. They have also rendered some past common diseases rare. So yes, vaccines are an absolute necessity if you want to keep your pet in good health.

There are two types of cat’s vaccines:

  • Core vaccines

  • Non-core vaccines

When you choose a kitty from us you will have peace of mind that we include in all our cats age-appropriate vaccinations, plus:

  • First year’s Rabies vaccine

  • Spay/neuter

  • Testing for feline diseases

  • Microchip

  • De-flea/De-worm treatments

  • TICA paperwork

Related: How To Maintain Good Dental Hygiene For Your Pets

Core Vaccines for Cats

The core or mandatory cat vaccines are provided by the Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel after regular evaluations and research on feline health and recent developments. Currently, there are four core cat vaccinations, as explained below:

Rabies – Rabies is a highly contagious disease. There is also no cure for this disease which is why your cat needs to get vaccinated. Your cat will get rabies from a bite from an infected mammal. The illness incubation period is around two months, after which your cat will exhibit signs of disorientation and aggression. The rabies vaccine is mandatory in many regions, and it is vital as it keeps you and your pet safe.

FVRCP Vaccine - The Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia vaccine is also referred to as distemper. This vaccine is a three in one vaccine that protects your furry friend from feline distemper.  

This vaccine combines the below three vaccines:

  1. FPV vaccine - The FPV vaccine protects your cat from the Feline panleukopenia disease, which is highly infectious. The early signs of this disease are low appetite, lack of energy, diarrhoea and vomiting. The illness also lowers your cat white blood cells as the illness attacks your feline’s bone marrow and immune system. 

  2. FHV-1 Vaccine - This vaccine protects your cat from the Feline herpesvirus that causes a severe respiratory infection that affects your cat’s throat and nose. Some cats will not exhibit any symptoms, although they act as carriers and will spread the virus to others.  The symptoms of this illness include nasal congestion, uncontrollable sneezing, blepharospasm, conjunctivitis and fever. Kittens and pregnant cats are at a higher risk of getting this illness. The disease is common in homes with multiple cats. There’s some good information on what paperwork you’ll need when you get a cat and want health insurance here

  3. FCV Vaccine - This vaccine protects your cats from the Feline calicivirus. The calicivirus affects your cat’s tract, mouth, intestines and musculoskeletal system. It's highly infectious and can occur in cats of all ages. However, kittens aged six weeks and above are at a higher risk of being infected. It commonly occurs among kittens that live in multi-cat homes and households that are poorly ventilated. 

Non-Core Cat Vaccinations

Some cat vaccines aren’t mandatory, but your vet will recommend them if your pet is susceptible to a particular disease. Here are some of the optional cat vaccinations.

FeLV Vaccine - The FeLV vaccine protects your cat from Feline Leukemia. Cats with this illness often become anaemic and are likely to suffer from other infections due to reduced immunity. Feline leukaemia is passed from one cat to another through blood, saliva, urine and faeces. Kittens can also contract the disease through their mother's infected milk. Even a healthy cat may spread the virus as cats with the infection often go through a regressive stage. 

Bordetella -The Bordetella virus causes upper respiratory abnormalities in your cat and dog. It is spread through the air or contact with an infected pet. This vaccination is often recommended for pets that visit a groomer or cats that board or visit daycares. 

Feline immunodeficiency (FIV) - Feline immunodeficiency is a viral infection that makes your cat’s immune system weak, leading to secondary infections. The disease is passed from cat to cat through deep bites from an infected mother to her kitten. It is often recommended to cats who play outdoors as this is where aggressive territorial fights often occur. 

Chlamydophila Felis - The Feline chlamydophila disease is a type of bacterial infection that causes conjunctivitis and ocular infections. Infection is usually through direct contact with an infected cat. Symptoms are seen a few days after infection in the form of watery eye discharge, discomfort and pain in the eye. Your sick cat may also have a fever and nasal discharge. If untreated, the infected cat sheds the bacteria in the form of ocular secretions infecting other healthy cats.

Cat Vaccines Adverse Effects

Every vaccine comes with some risk. However, the adverse effects of vaccination in cats are less than 1%. Such effects are also mild in the form of fever, lethargy and inflammation.

Sarcoma, which is the growth of a cancerous mass at the place of vaccination is one of the most debated cat vaccination effects. Sarcoma is rare as it occurs in 1-10 of every 10,000 vaccinated cats. 

Nonetheless, it’s good to monitor your cat’s injection site for any swelling. If the swelling persists for more than a month after vaccination, surgery can be done to treat it.

Vaccinations are necessary for your pet. They keep them healthy and also trigger your feline’s immunity. Your vet will help with a suitable vaccination schedule for your pet based on their age, vaccination history and their exposure to various diseases.

Click on the pictures or the links in the article to see where it takes you.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Pros and Cons of having Cats and Babies

Living with a feline pet and a baby can be fun in so many ways. At the same time, it can be dangerous for both of them. Let's take a look at the ups and downs of having cats and babies in your home at the same time.

Pros of having cats and babies

Cats are usually easy to maintain, so having one when you bring your baby home from the hospital will not make your list of responsibilities so much longer than it would be without a cat in sight. Also, since you will not go through too much trouble helping your cat adjust to a new home if you happen to be changing houses while waiting for a new family member, you will probably not have too many problems introducing your baby to the cat. Now, what are the benefits of having your feline and your kid living together?

Cats can be affectionate

Stroking a cat is known to have a calming effect, so having a cat in your home can help your baby feel better when sad or upset. With a cat in their home, your child will grow up with the most sincere and affectionate friend which will help them boost their self-confidence.

They are fun to watch

Cats are explorers so watching them play with toys or any other objects in your home can be a great way to keep your baby entertained. They will play with almost anything and they will inspect every item you bring back home with you. That is why our moving professionals such as evolutionmovingdfw.com always advise cat-owners to keep an eye on their pets while packing boxes for a move or storage since cats tend to play inside them.

Babies react to movement and that is why pets always attract their attention. Some studies even show that children who are raised in homes with pets are less likely to become depressed when they grow up. The presence of a cat in your home will make your new baby happier!

Babies and cats can be perfect playmates

As soon as your newborn starts to interact with people and animals around them, the cat will become their best friend. The good news is that they are not likely to get tired of each other any time soon. For your baby, the cat is their first friend and they grow up knowing that they can always rely on them for love and support. Plus, they are a great source of entertainment.

Children with cats have a better immune system

Pets are great for developing the immune system in children. Children who live with pets are less likely to suffer colds and infections. Even though having a dog is a bit more beneficial in terms of a child's health, kids who grow up with cats also develop immunity to certain illnesses. Plus, the positive effect on a child's mental health is undeniable.

Cats help manage pests

We all know that cats are rodents' worst enemies. OK, you might not have a problem with mice and rats in your home, but cats are also successful in fighting insects and they can be found in pretty much any household. Some of them can be a real hazard to your baby, but if you have a cat, there is no reason for you to worry!

Cons of having cats and babies

Now, let's see some negative sides to owning a cat while being a parent of a very young child.

Some cats tend to shed a lot which can be a problem for children with allergies

The longer the hair in cats the more they will shed, which is not a good thing when you have a baby in that same home. The fact that cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, doesn’t help a lot. Make sure you do your research and consult professionals on the subject.

Cats bite too! And they scratch!

Your furniture is at constant risk of getting damaged with a feline pet inside your home, but unfortunately, so are your children. Cats can accidentally scratch your baby while they play with them. It also happens that they bite when they feel insecure around humans. Sometimes they will even do it when they are not in the mood for stroking and cuddling. A bite or a scratch marks here and there won't put your life at risk, but should you risk getting your precious little baby hurt by your pet? Of course not! That's why you should never leave the two of them alone - not even for a second. And, avoid leaving your baby in a swing or on the floor with your cat around.

Some accidents may happen even though your cat is not around

Every responsible cat-owner would try to make their home as cat-friendly as possible even before they bring their feline friend home from the pet store. In some homes, people install cat flaps on their back doors to help their cat access the backyard or home more easily. However, such flaps might be a hazard for your crawling baby. They can get stuck in there or hurt themselves trying to get out. They can even crawl out of home and put their lives in serious danger. Again, there is no need for you to worry if you don't leave your baby unattended which, you will agree, is a matter of common sense whether you own a pet or not.

Cats can be a health hazard if they soil your home

Cats are vulnerable to various infections that can easily be transmitted to a baby if a cat urinates all around the house. But if yours is trained to use a litter box or to go outside when they need to do their business, your baby is safe.

As you can see, having cats and babies at home has its positive and negative sides. Luckily, the negative ones can be either prevented or diminished, so with a little bit of extra care, you will be able to enjoy sharing home with your favorite animal and your child.




Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Best ways to transport cats long-distance

Cats are not fond of moving, that is a simple fact. Quite often, they tend to react by being irritable, scared, and even aggressive after relocation. The last thing you want is to regret taking this step in the first place. So, instead of just putting your cat in a car/on a plane and expecting that everything's going to be fine, you should make a thorough plan of your relocation with your pet. The first thing on your list is researching the best ways to transport cats long-distance.

Your pet's health is what matters the most

A visit to your cat's veterinarian is a good idea even if you are taking him on a holiday with you, let alone if you are moving long-distance with your feline. Make sure that your cat's health record and vaccinations are up to date and have your cat's health condition checked. Use this appointment to discuss some potential issues regarding your pet with the health professional. For instance, you can find out what their opinion about microchipping is because it can be rather useful in case your cat gets lost during the relocation. Also, you can ask your vet to recommend a colleague in your future hometown.

Your vet can also advise you on which type of transport they think would be the most suitable for your pet and what equipment to use for that purpose. Also, they will tell you whether sedating your pet for the trip is a good idea and how your cat can get a passport. After you solve all your dilemmas about your cat, you will be able to move with ease across the US, or even across the world.

The equipment - what to pick?

Your cat will need a leash and cat harness if you are taking him on a long-distance trip. At the airport, you will have to take your cat out of the carrier before it goes through an X-ray screening procedure and that's when he will have to be on a leash. In the car, letting your cat ramble around can be extremely unsafe for both of you. So, the leash and a harness are the first things you should buy and get your pet accustomed to. But, that's not all.

A carrier or a crate?

If you will be transporting your cat by plane, you will have to get a carrier. But before going to the store, you should check which model the airline company allows - soft or hard-sided ones. The dimensions of the carrier are crucial here too since you will have to put it underneath the seat of the person sitting in front of you. Some airlines are even exclusive about the brand they prefer.

Crates are bigger than carriers, but you can only use them if you are transporting your cat in a car. The most practical are those with more than one opening. Both carriers and crates should have enough room for your cat to turn around and stretch. Don't forget that you will have to fit in a litter box too.

Long-distance move - car vs. plane

Let's be honest - your cat will probably not enjoy any of the two types of transportation, but that's why you are there to make this process less stressful for your pet. Whatever you choose, remember not to feed your cat three to four hours before the trip to avoid motion sickness, but at the same time give your cat plenty of water to drink. That is an important step in preparation for a move.

Is a car the best way to transport cats long-distance?

If you don't feel comfortable about your cat being transported by plane, you will have to take a road trip with him. But, don't worry, this can be fun! As long as you choose the right equipment and respect the daily routines your pet has. Sure, the ride will take longer, but at least your best friend won't be traumatized once you arrive at your new home.

Don't even think about an all-night ride. They are neither safe for you nor pleasant for your cat. When planning a move, look for a hotel/motel where you can stop and rest for the night or two while moving long-distance. Once you find the one you would like to book, double-check whether they welcome cats since "pet-friendly" usually refers to dogs, and you wouldn't like to be unpleasantly surprised amid your trip.

Many cats are rather anxious about riding in a car. However, you can train them by taking short rides for several days before the long trip. Take their favorite toy with you as well. Here's the most important safety tip: your cat should be leashed or harnessed during the entire trip! You shouldn't be distracted while driving and your cat will be safe whenever you open the door or a window.

Or, should you opt for a plane?

Many vets will advise you to avoid transporting cats on a plane. But, if that's the only option you have, you should at least make sure that he is with you through the entire trip. That means transporting your cat in a cabin. Before you book the ticket, you should contact the airline company and inform them that you'll be traveling with a feline. Most companies are fine with that, but there is only a certain number of pets allowed on board at the same time, so you should book your ticket early. Also, consult the airline about the type of carrier you should have. Some companies allow soft-sided, while some will only let you use the hard-sided carriers.

Putting your cat in the cargo hold should be your last option. Unfortunately, many pets get stressed out or even injured while being taken on a trip this way. The cargo areas are rarely airconditioned which can be a problem for any creature traveling in them. Poor ventilation is also an issue.

Whenever you are traveling with your cat, you should make sure that he has a collar with your contact info on it. This is extremely important if you choose to transport cats long-distance on a plane.

Once you arrive at the destination

Don't expect your cat to love your new home right away. When you arrive, you should cat-proof your home before letting the cat out of the crate or carrier. Have a treat with you to reward your pet and to help them adjust to a new home more easily.

We hope we have helped you decide what the best ways to transport cats long-distance are. Enjoy your new home with your old friend, you deserve it!


Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN

Making your apartment cat friendly

Making your apartment cat-friendly is one of the best things that you can do for your cat. That is the only place they get to enjoy.

Cats seem like perfect apartment pets. Most cats rarely or never leave the house, which means that your home is their living space 24 hours a day. At first glance, you might think that having a cat inside is super easy and that it doesn’t take a lot of work. However, that cannot be further from the truth. Cats are very sensitive and emotional animals. They need certain things within their home to make them feel comfortable and taken care of. So, if you have a four-legged friend in your home, you must ask yourself how cat-friendly your apartment is. It is never a bad time to reassess your living space and show your cat some much-needed love, by making your apartment cat-friendly.

Making your apartment cat-friendly will take some creativity and effort

Tips for making your home into a more cat-loving space are important for all cat owners. Of course, your affection and attention are something that your cats need the most. Nevertheless, one of the ways to show them your love is to share your space with them. This doesn’t mean just letting your kitty roam wild around your apartment, but by making certain accommodations that will make your cat comfortable in your home. Especially if you recently moved, you will need to pay extra attention to your furball. Making your apartment cat-friendly is the best possible way of helping your cat adjust to your new home. Here is how you can be the best possible cat parent and share your beloved home with your best friend.

Your cat's behavior will be your best indicator in which changes you should make within your living space.

Create more space for your cat

Nobody expects you to make an extra room for your cat. Of course, you will work with whatever space you have within your apartment. But adding verticality specifically for your cat is a great way to create additional and useful space for your pet. Having your cat use shelves that aren’t meant for that use might not be the best idea. Your cat might get injured and your things may get damaged. But you can find great solutions in the form of cat furniture. There are many cat trees, cat shelves, and other cat toys that can be a great addition to your home. This way, you will allow your cat to be more adventurous and confident. Also, you will provide much-needed space for exercise, since most cats never leave your home.

Give your kitty a cozy chill place 

Black and white cat sleeping in individual Blue and Green A1Savannahs Marina Wool Cat bed

We all have a little room or a corner within our home that we consider our personal sanctuary and our go-to spot. Well, the same goes for your cat. Don’t think that the expectations are any less. So, if you are serious about making your apartment cat-friendly, make sure you have a nice little place reserved only for your feline. That way, you will give your cat a special place where it can feel secure and comfortable. It is like giving your kid their own room. Everybody needs their own space. This is particularly important if your cat is shy and you just moved to a new home. Moving with pets can be simple if you take similar steps and make your pet at ease with their new surroundings.

Give your cat their own corner. This will be their favorite place where they feel secure and happy.

Don’t forget the view 

Very often, you will see your cat chilling on your window. It is hard to know what they are thinking. But one thing is for sure: it looks like something fun. Thus, don’t deprive your cat of a wonderful view. Make sure your kitty has a nice window seat. Maybe your neighbors are more interesting than you thought.

Even cats appreciate a nice bathroom space 

Surely, you don’t like when your cat’s litter box is smelly and dirty. Well, be certain that your cats also don’t appreciate such a sight. Many cats will refuse to go into a litter box that is not well-maintained. Thankfully, there are many new accessories that can help you in maintaining your cat bathroom hygiene.

Modern litter boxes are designed not to spread odors. Some litter sucks in bad smells, and you can buy many deodorants that keep the litter box and the room it is in fresh. But you should also make sure you position the litter box in the proper room. This room should have regular ventilation and normal levels of humidity. Your cat’s litter box is something that marks his or her territory. This is very important, especially if you keep your cat and dog in the same apartment. Marking specific territories for each pet is one of the best ways to get your cat and dog to get along. Thus, if your heart is set on making your apartment cat-friendly, provide your cat with the perfect litter box in a place they like.

If you have multiple pets in your apartment, make sure that each pet has their own territory and space. This way there is a greater chance that all your pets will get along.

Making your apartment cat-friendly can only be achieved if you know your cat 

Only cat owners can understand how different it is being a cat parent in comparison to taking care of other pets. Of course, it is very convenient that you don’t have to take them outside for a walk and they usually don’t take up too much of your space. Yet, they are very emotional and sensitive creatures. They have very specific needs which are both emotional and physical. Every cat has their own attitude, confidence and, personality. As a cat owner, you should know what your cat needs in order to be happy. By watching their behavior and demeanor you will know exactly which adjustments need to be made to your home, to cover all your cat's wants.

More than anything, show them love and attention 

Making your apartment cat-friendly is what every responsible cat owner should do. But, don’t think that your duties to your furry friend end there. Making your home into a feline-friendly space is a big undertaking. Your cat will surely feel the difference once you are done. However, all changes within your home will not matter unless you show your cat some love. Just like any other living and breathing thing, cats also like to feel attention and appreciation. Buying cat toys will not make up for the time you neglected your cat. So, show your cat your devotion and care. You will be thrilled when you receive it in return as well. All your efforts will be well worth it.




Click on the pictures to see where it takes you and the links in the article.

Until our next cat convo

-MARTIN