Recommendations for animal lovers: should you get a kitten or a cat?

How important is your cat's activity to you?

As they say, you can’t run wild in an apartment, but many breeds can be extremely active, running and jumping all over the house. There are breeds that are much calmer, such as the British, Persian, Scots, Burmese, Russian Blues, Sphynxes and Exotics. They are not hasty, they like to frolic, but in moderation. But cats such as Siamese, Bengal, Abyssinian, Kurilian Bobtail are not suitable for living in a small space, as they are hyperactive by nature.

But even if you bought a kitten from a calm breed, don’t expect it to lie around like a soft toy all day. Every cat needs space to play. In addition, each animal has its own character, which the owner may not like; some of the animal’s habits will have to be tolerated, and some will have to be eradicated through educational measures. To prevent an unpleasant odor from appearing in the apartment, and to ensure that your favorite furniture remains intact, you need to take care of purchasing accessories for your pet.

First of all, you need a cat litter box, a scratching post, and a nail clipper.

The next most important activity is the equipment of the place where the animal will eat. Buy a feeder for food, and a separate bowl for water.

If you wish, you can equip a cat's place to relax; here you will need special houses, toys, beds, etc.

If you do not want your pet to bear offspring in the future, then go through the procedure of castration for cats and sterilization for cats. This procedure will help cats and kittens not to suffer in the future without a partner, will preserve their health and is completely safe for animals.

Frequently asked questions about cats:

What should I do if my cat scratches/bites while playing or attacks my legs while I sleep?

If your cat bites or scratches you while playing, stop playing immediately and leave. There are people who, on principle, do not play with animals, and then are surprised that they do not behave like a sofa cushion. This will not work, especially with cats - they are predators. Many of their problems stem from boredom and lack of activity. You definitely need to play with the animal, play it before bed, pay attention to it, and delight it with a variety of toys. You cannot yet punish the animal or raise your hand to it - then the cat will not think that you need to attack. You should not play “hunt” with your bare hands and feet, so as not to develop the habit of nibbling on your cat - use toys for this.

How to make friends between a cat and another cat?

It is important not to immediately show cats to each other: if a domestic cat suddenly sees an alien, he will think that this is an enemy who has come to take away his territory and resources. The new cat should be brought in a carrier with the window covered with a towel so that the animals do not see each other, and placed in a separate room for the first time. The first step is to give the cats a chance to get to know each other's smells - my "scratching post method" works just for this. Then start feeding through the door at the same time, so that the foreign smell is associated with a pleasant moment of feeding. Then you can gradually start opening the door, introducing the cats to each other’s territory, and then bringing them together. Your task is to prevent conflicts: for cats, the first impression is very important, and if it is spoiled, it will be very difficult to make friends with them.

What to do if the cat does not go to the litter box?

First, take the cat to the veterinarian. Some cats do not go to the litter box because they develop diseases of the genitourinary system, so in case of sudden uncleanliness, you should at least get tested immediately. Secondly, the cat may not like something: the tray itself, the filler (try different brands and compositions), the place where the tray is installed. Maybe someone scared him in the litter box or punished him, so the cat associates the litter box with danger and is looking for a new place. People who nuzzle cats and generally punish cats are making a huge mistake. There can be many reasons why a cat does not go to the litter box - some are such that you would never guess if you have not worked with cats for a long time and have not observed them.

Why doesn't a cat love any of the family members - or only loves one?

This is normal practice. Sympathy can be associated with different circumstances and previous experience: there are cats that love men more, but women not so much, or vice versa. There are animals that do not like children - all because children are usually noisy, rush around and make sudden movements, this is scary. But there are also cats that dote on children - they even protect them if their parents argue. It happens that a cat sucks up to a person who is indifferent to her - cats cannot tolerate indifference! Every cat should understand that absolutely everyone loves it. For example, my father is a dog lover, but my cat dotes on him. She sees him and immediately spreads herself out in front of him, loves to cuddle with him, climb on his lap - she doesn’t behave like that with anyone else. I think she's trying to get him on the cat side: "Yeah, you like dogs, let's see what I can do about it."

What should be in the apartment to make the cat feel good and safe?

There are five freedoms by which we must ensure the comfort of our pet. The animal must have all the resources: drink, food, shelter, soft sleeping places, toilet according to its needs. In an apartment where a cat lives, there must be screens on the windows - even if your cat is “not suicidal” and “has never been interested in windows.” Vertical ventilation is also dangerous for animals.

Owners must ensure timely veterinary monitoring of the pet’s condition: vaccinate, get rid of parasites, do all this on time and with good medications. For prevention, we must take the animal to the veterinarian at least once a year, and from the age of six - at least once every six months for medical examination. We must also provide our pet with healthy sleep: a sleep-deprived cat is an irritated cat that can show aggression. Just like you do when you don't get enough sleep.

We must meet the needs of the animal: for example, cats are naturally designed to sharpen their claws, so we should not perform barbaric operations to remove them, but provide the animals with special devices - scratching posts - and choose the ideal option that the cat will like. It is best if there are several of them and they will be located in different places in the apartment. We should not deny the animal communication - not only affection, but also games and training. Then the cat will be stable and happy.

To overpay or not to overpay?

This question is asked by many future owners who decide to choose a purebred cat - why is there such a wide range in prices for kittens of the same breed? Why are some quite nice and clearly not “fence-friendly” purrs given into good hands, while others, exactly the same, are asked for 15-20 thousand rubles?

The answer depends on several factors:

• Reputation of the nursery selling the kitten. This is the same as why a gray T-shirt from Dior costs 20 times more than a similar one from the Vietnamese market - the company’s image speaks volumes! The nursery provides pedigree documents for the kitten, which provide a pass into the world of “big cat breeding.” Particularly high prices are for kittens of champion parents, winners of exhibitions - the so-called show class kittens. But if you just dream of a cute kitten, then you probably shouldn’t overpay for a “brand.”
• Compliance with breed standards. For you, perhaps, a cute spot on the back or close, surprised eyes only adds charm to the kitten, but for specialists this is a defect, a deviation from the breed standard. Such a cat will never win an exhibition, so the price for it can be several times lower than that of its “correct” brothers and sisters.
• Age. The optimal age for selling a kitten is 2-3 months. 4-5 month old kittens are already considered “grown up”, the owners try to give them a home as quickly as possible, and the price drops.
• Health status. Sometimes a kitten is sick with something that is not visible at first glance, and the owners try at all costs to “kick” it away before the disease progresses. It is sometimes difficult even for a specialist to identify such a pitfall!

But there are often cases when you can get a healthy cat of the chosen breed for ridiculous money - according to an advertisement, at a bird market and in other “frivolous” places: once upon a time there was a cat, kittens were born, and the owners are dreaming of how to quickly adopt them!

If you are not applying for medals and regalia, then why not?

For children

A cat is the best nanny. The child will play with it without interfering with parents’ remote work or household duties. Everyone will enjoy it. In addition, scientists have proven that children who have pets are much less likely to suffer from colds and viral diseases, and they have stronger immunity. The fact is that cats’ skin contains many both beneficial and dangerous bacteria. While the former have a beneficial effect on health, the latter are addictive. Therefore, if a child encounters such a pathogen, for example, on the street, he will not become infected.

If a child suffers from autism, cats will help him socialize and become a true friend for him.

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To overpay or not to overpay?

When purchasing a cat, you may come across different prices, and in different regions they differ significantly, so the question arises, why in some places they give purebred cats for absolutely nothing, and in other places they ask for fabulous money for them? This all depends on several factors:

Each nursery must maintain its own brand. It’s the same as with selling things: branded clothes are much more expensive than similar Chinese products

The nursery will provide you with documents for the kitten, which will indicate its pedigree, and this is very important if you want to reproduce the animal in the future. Of particular value are show-class kittens whose parents took prizes in shows and exhibitions.

If this is not important to you, then you shouldn’t overpay. Compliance with breed standards. Experts will immediately suspect incest in the kitten’s appearance. This is called a defect, a deviation from the breed. Sometimes such defects can occur in a kitten of purebred parents. But still, it is not suitable for exhibitions, unlike its successful brothers and sisters, and therefore its price will be much lower. The age of the kitten also plays a role. It is best to sell it at the age of 2-3 months. Older kittens are considered “grown up” and are cheaper. Sometimes it happens that a kitten is sick, and the owners try to sell it quickly while the disease is not noticeable. In this case, the price may also be low.

There are different cases, for example, at the poultry market, a purebred kitten can be bought for ridiculous prices. Owners sometimes don’t know how to quickly get rid of their offspring. If you are not interested in exhibitions, medals and regalia, then this is also a good option for purchasing a furry miracle. It’s up to you to choose which cat is best to have in your apartment.

They will tell you which cat is best to have in your apartment and select a pet for you, taking into account your interests. But it’s worth talking about your wishes in more detail so that there are no disappointments later.

For example, it is very important to know how long you will be away, since some breeds cannot tolerate being alone, it is also important whether you have enough time to care for the cat, this is important for long-haired breeds, whether you plan to have offspring, etc. Ragdoll has an easy character

A good breeder is also interested in ensuring that his kitten ends up in kind and caring hands. It may take time for you to choose the right option, but if your desires and capabilities coincide, you will gain a reliable friend for life.

Potential difficulties of living with a cat

1. Cats go to the toilet . Yes, and “in a big way” too. Of course, cats are much more clean than dogs; they cannot go to the toilet due to carelessness or from excess emotions, but cats also happen to shit in the wrong place. There can be many reasons for this, but in this case the point is different - the area of ​​the apartment is small, and the smell of cat excrement is quite pungent. This can cause problems with neighbors or homeowners. Therefore, it is preferable to choose animals that are already tray-trained.

Cat litter and kitten

If you think that cats are easy to train and their instincts themselves will push them in the right direction, you are mistaken. Our editor is the proud owner of two large mongrel cats, one of whom completely refuses to remember that a trash can is the wrong place for his litter box. And even if it is possible to convince him of this today, it is not a fact that tomorrow the situation with the surprise found in the trash bin will not repeat itself.

2. Cats shed . And this is also a problem. Are you ready for your entire apartment to be strewn with cat hair? It will get everywhere: on clothes, in food, on all surfaces. In a small space, especially during periods of seasonal molting, cat hair turns into a real punishment.

Grooming a long-haired white cat

Moreover, some cats periodically develop dandruff, to which you or your family members may be allergic. So, when choosing an animal, you need to remember about the upcoming “war” with its fur, and if this is a problem for you, it is better to choose smooth-haired breeds or sphinxes in general. On the other hand, with proper care, problems with the coat will practically not arise. In any case, it is worth paying attention to this issue.

3. Cat's temperament or character . In some cases, it can also present very unpleasant surprises. If you live in a relatively small apartment, you should choose a furry friend of a breed that has the following characteristics:

• lack of a pronounced instinct for one’s own territory;
• easy perception of loneliness;
• sociability;
• friendliness towards strangers;
• not too high activity.

Interesting: Why does a cat constantly meow?

The last thing is worth explaining - cats with high activity require a lot of space for their games. They physically need to spend their energy somewhere, so they rush around the apartment like mad, turning over various objects, damaging furniture, knocking you off your feet. Such animals need to be in the fresh air, so keeping them in an apartment will be problematic for you.

Where do cats come from?

The question is not idle, and there are only three answers to it. You can:

a) pick up a cat on the street or in a shelter;

b) receive a kitten as a gift from friends;

c) purchase an animal in a so-called nursery.

In the first case, the cat will definitely have to be treated and fattened. True, solving these problems usually does not cause great difficulties. A kitten received from friends will most likely be well-fed, healthy and playful. The most difficult thing is to maintain relationships with cat breeders...

Start your acquaintance with the cattery website. If the resource is unaesthetic, crooked (the inscriptions overlap one another and on the pictures), has not been updated for a long time, and the photographs of champions at lunch are a hundred years old, this establishment is of no use to you.

A decent website provides a reason for a telephone conversation.

Reached an agreement quickly and easily? Find the opportunity to visit the cattery and get acquainted with the conditions in which the cats are kept. If you are warmly received, given comprehensive explanations and shown a standard package of documents for a kitten (and you like everything), pay a deposit and wait for a call.

Are you promised delivery? Request an introduction to the carrier. He will have to transport your future family member, and if, for the sake of economy, the carrier stuffs the cat with tranquilizers and keeps him in his bosom for two days, you will have to fight for the health and life of the animal.

If your cat comes from a cattery where breed characteristics are fixed by inbreeding, there is a non-zero probability of detecting genetically determined defects. But it depends...

Benefit for health

A cat is an amazing creature. She appears to be independent and only uses her owner for food. But in reality, a pet helps improve the health of its owner. So, if you suffer from insomnia, you simply need a cat. She can lull anyone to sleep with her purring.

A 10-year study at the University of Minnesota found that cats reduce the risk of heart attack by 40%. And Canadian scientists are confident that a domestic cat lowers cholesterol levels.

The animal can be called a natural antidepressant, since caring for it helps the owner cope with depression.

Cat - pros and cons

If you do not plan to become a breeder and babysit kittens, then a cat is a completely acceptable option.

They are smart and love their home and their owners.

Cats love to control everything that happens. Therefore, when you get a cat, be prepared that he will follow you and “control” you. He will definitely need to sit with you at the computer, watch TV, accompany you when you leave and check your bags when you return.

In terms of cleanliness, cats are slightly inferior to cats. However, with proper care, you will not feel this.

A significant disadvantage of keeping a cat in an apartment is the habit of an adult animal to mark its territory. Therefore, if you do not have a super purebred cat, with whom they will pay money for mating, it is better to castrate him. This operation is painless and will not harm your pet.

Sociable breeds

Siamese cats are ready to carry on a conversation with their owner, only in their own language.
Among four-legged friends there are those who like to talk with their owner. If you are not one of those who like constant silence in the apartment, and prefer to constantly communicate with your pet, then take a closer look at these breeds:

1. Burmese cat. These are muscular, stocky pets with thick fur. They have different colors: blue, sable, platinum. The tails are mobile. They are ready to learn commands and don’t mind walking on a leash. Burmese cats are not picky eaters, intelligent and sociable. It is difficult for them to remain alone for a long time. They are characterized by diseases such as gum disease and diabetes.
2. Oriental cats. Animals of this breed come in long-haired and short-haired varieties. They are sophisticated and have a flexible body. In nature, Orientals have about 300 colors. They are talkative and love to attract attention. Pets are suitable for large families with children. Orientals are predisposed to cardiomyopathy and gingivitis. They freeze quickly due to lack of undercoat.
3. Siamese breed. The cats are distinguished by almond-shaped eyes with a slanted look, short fur of cream or milky white color. In addition, they are characterized by colored spots on their muzzle, ears, paws, and tail. Representatives of this breed are very sociable. They prefer to be among people and feel sad when alone. They are inquisitive and jealous. Pets are prone to dental problems. The diet of these animals affects their color.
4. Don Sphynx. Animals with a wedge-shaped head, pronounced cheekbones and curled whiskers (some representatives have no whiskers). Their body is elongated and has fewer folds than the Canadian Sphynx. They are completely bald and have fluff. These are peace-loving cats that get along with other animals. They are susceptible to skin diseases.

Cat tuning

Many people consider it necessary to change the structure of the cat's body in accordance with their own ideas. Not all improvements are created equal.

Sterilization is an excellent solution for apartment cats. But if your pet has to build relationships with the street community of four-legged animals, castration will definitely prevent it from taking its rightful place in the local hierarchy.

Surgical declawing. A barbaric operation that irreversibly worsens the animal’s relationship with its owner. The cat will never get used to the absence of claws and will experience stress for the rest of its life. “Anti-scratch” - silicone caps for claws - are less harmful to the limbs, but just as traumatic for the animal’s psyche.

Haircut to prevent overheating. It can help, but it can also harm. Typically, cats spontaneously shed excess fur as the warm season approaches. In addition, wool protects the animal's skin from burns resulting from contact with direct sunlight.

We have touched only on some aspects of a cat’s life with a person. In future publications we will continue to introduce readers to the features of keeping cats.

How to keep a kitten in the house

Kittens quickly get used to everything, and it is important to constantly update their horizons. New people, animals, a change of scenery - all this is for the kitten’s benefit. But don’t forget that you need to monitor your small pet very carefully. If you do not do this, the kitten may injure itself or damage your home.

If you don’t buy a scratching post, then your furniture can be its closest substitute. The kitten can hide or spoil any things left in an accessible place. True, not all kittens are as playful and active as they seem. There are also lazy ones, with whom you need to play so that they move at least a little.

As you can see, proper keeping of cats at home is associated with a number of rules and precautions. Before buying a kitten or an adult animal, be sure to consider whether you are ready to become a good responsible owner, ensure the animal’s safety, care for it, and give yourself enough time.

Pros and cons of choosing cats

Plus:

Cleanliness.

Minus:

Cunning. Unlike straightforward cats, cats tend to demonstrate their character on the sly. One minute she purrs under her owner’s hand, and then, a moment later, the cat tears this hand with her claws only because, in her opinion, the caresses have gone on too long.

Plus:

Cats are better hunters than cats and are better at catching mice. But what good does that do you, unless you live in an area infested with rodents? In this case, there is no doubt who to choose: a cat or a cat - only a cat, only hardcore!

Minus:

If a cat is not sterilized, then sexual heat completely unsettles it. The animal can neither sleep nor eat, leading itself to exhaustion and even, in some cases, to madness.

Results

It is impossible to answer unequivocally who is more affectionate, a cat or a cat. To do this, you need to get a cat and conduct a long-term experiment on yourself.

You can continue this list ad infinitum. But experience shows that often, having chosen a female kitten, the owners get a notorious pirate instead of a timid creature, and a courageous kitten grows into a timid cat.

It is quite difficult to guess what a kitten will grow into, but if you have already decided on the gender, then just remember that any disadvantages, like those very pitfalls, can be avoided if you take appropriate measures in time.

Cat or cat - it doesn't matter. It is important that they are loved

After all, when they give you their love, believe me, they don’t look at whether you are a boy or a girl.

How does purring heal?

The fact that purring really helps you relax is a well-known fact. But did you know that it can also help a person's bones and muscles recover faster?

I'm not kidding! Purrs typically create vibrations between 20 and 140 GHz. And some studies claim that frequencies from 18 to 35 GHz can have a positive effect on the healing of various injuries

. So, if it suddenly happens that you pull a muscle while jogging, now you know who to turn to (but, of course, don’t forget to look at the doctor).

How to properly bring a cat into the house

When settling into a new home, the first thing a cat does is sniff it, and if she is in no hurry to cross the threshold of a new home, then she should not be dragged or pushed over the threshold by force. The animal needs time to feel and pass through all the information received, and only then adapt to a new place. When a cat moves, it also experiences stress; gradually it will calm down and decide which areas of the house it likes and which it doesn’t.

For those who do not have cats, figurines and paintings depicting cats are brought in before the owners enter. At the end of the move, they are located near the front door to protect against evil spirits. Some cities already offer a cat rental service for those moving to a new home.

Escape from home

A domestic cat without experience of orientation and survival in natural conditions, suddenly finding itself on the street, can get into trouble. Under the influence of strong stress, the animal may get lost and not find its way home.

If, at the time of escape, the cat encounters another animal or an aggressive person, it may hide in some corner or basement, or climb a tree. Often, this ends with sad consequences, because it is very difficult to help a cat with a frightened animal. They do not make contact, do not allow themselves to be pulled together, for example, to remove them from a tree, they can bite and scratch a person.

Are they fighting or grinding?

Don't confuse fighting with building a hierarchy. Accept that one of your cats will be alpha. The older member of the pack can growl at the younger one, hit him with his paw, demonstrate his superiority in every possible way, and this is not a conflict, but a form of communication.

Don't get involved in cat fights unless they are threatening. When a kitten appears in the house, the older cat accepts it almost immediately. You may not know this because the alpha will act very strict and distant. The kitten will pester the cat, bother her and eventually receive a well-deserved slap with her paw. In most cases, an older cat will not even use her claws because she needs a reason to use force.

If you see that there is going to be a fight, you can do the following:

• Stomp or clap loudly - fear changes priorities.
• Throwing a towel towards the cats is a sudden switch of attention.
• Throw a blanket over both cats - when a cat suddenly finds itself in the dark, it instinctively presses itself to the floor.
• Throwing water at cats is a distraction factor.

There is another method that owners do not use due to ignorance. Seeing that cats are going into conflict, freeze, stare at the aggressor and start hissing. Make sounds that are as close as possible to the hissing of your pets, usually a combination of “kh” and low “y” sounds, do not hesitate, growl and even scream like a cat.

What will you achieve? First, you will show who the main “cat” is in this house, and this is important. Secondly, even if the demonstration of your feline importance seems unconvincing to your pets, they will definitely be surprised by the screams

Take advantage of the surprise and stupor to isolate the new cat. This method should not be used on hybrid breeds, since the cat may become confused and attack you.

Believe it or not

A cat cannot even imagine that every gesture, every movement, every pose has a certain meaning for a person, is either a warning, or, on the contrary, a good omen.

Here are just a few of the many superstitions that have arisen over the long history of cats living next to humans:

• The new residents are the first to let the cat into the house. If the cat clearly doesn’t like it here, then the person can’t count on a happy life in this home;
• Do not drive away the cat that came to you on its own, otherwise you will not have luck for 7 long years;
• Drowning or strangling kittens means that there may be drowned people in the family or people who died a violent death;
• Feeding a stray cat means calming the souls of deceased relatives;
• If your luck has turned away from you, you have stopped making money, then pick up and shelter an abandoned kitten;
• You should not kill adult cats - this threatens you with major and lasting troubles;
• Only a black cat crosses the road into trouble. White, on the contrary, foreshadows an easy path, and spotted - the fulfillment of desires. So superstitious people should not shy away from every cat!

Previously, a daughter who spent too much time as a wench was a disgrace for the family. In order to finally marry off this old maid, her mother had to distribute seven stray kittens (females) to good neighbors. And if we were talking about an old bachelor, then distribute male kittens.

Damage from a cat in an apartment

The cat's sharp claws will leave scratches not only on the owner's hands, but also on the furniture. In a house where there is a cat, it is necessary to carefully and thoughtfully approach the choice of furniture. For example, it is better to refuse an expensive leather sofa.

Like any living creature, a cat has its own needs, which require small but constant material costs - for food, litter, a carrier bag, toys, vaccinations, medicine in case the cat gets sick.

Leaving home for a long time for cat owners is accompanied by a search for a special hotel for pets or someone who can look after them during this period. Moreover, we must remember that the cat is very attached to the house where it lives, so any move, and especially staying in a foreign place, is a huge stress for it.

A cat can be a carrier of diseases such as toxoplasmosis (which is especially dangerous for pregnant women), “cat scratch disease,” worms, and lichen.

Still, the idea of ​​having a cat at home is a double-edged sword. Gone are the days when a cat protected the house from rodents and the advantage of having it in the house was undeniable. In the modern world, cats are owned for various reasons - to brighten up one’s loneliness, to instill in a child a sense of responsibility, or simply because they love cats.

It is impossible to say for sure what is more in the above list - advantages or disadvantages. For some, one minus can cancel out all the pluses. And for true cat lovers, there are no problems associated with keeping a cat in the house. They enjoy everything related to their pet.

5/5 (4)

You have decided to take a fluffy, purring little ball into your home. And if you have not yet had experience keeping cats in the house, or you are simply in doubt - a cat or a cat, approach the choice seriously, carefully weighing the pros and cons.

Superstitions, omens and evil eyes

All sorts of signs are associated with missing cats, which can be very easily refuted. We are used to dividing them into bad and good. And very often we involuntarily subject ourselves to self-hypnosis. As soon as a sign is associated with some negative situation, we begin to think about it more often and, as a result, attract it into our lives.

Very often, lonely, elderly people who get a pet to brighten up their lives suffer from the loss of a cat. They feel the loss of an animal so acutely that they worry for a long time.

In some situations, owners treat their animals like children who don't exist. And when pets disappear, they convince themselves that they “are not given the opportunity to have children.” But everything can be quite the opposite. Feeling that the young housewife will soon become a mother, the cat makes room for a new person.

There are people who believe that the cat disappeared due to the evil eye. Allegedly, they have ill-wishers who know how dear he is to his owners, that they will worry about him and deliberately provoke his disappearance.

Many people think about a persecution or a curse sent to the entire family. He is sent with the aim of destroying the entire human family and those close to him, even animals.

Advice! Having discovered a dying animal on the threshold of an apartment, people prepare for trouble. This is a clear sign indicating ill-wishers. The corpse is taken away and buried. After returning home, after thoroughly washing your hands, take an additional shower . At this time, they imagine themselves in a protective cocoon.

Feeding the cat

The cat is a predator, and meat is its food. The cat receives a full range of nutrients by eating the whole prey - along with bones, intestines, brains and skin. It is unlikely that you will buy sterile mice from a pet store for your pet. It is best to purchase holistic-grade dry food and plant lawn grass in a bowl - fescue, ryegrass, meadow bluegrass.

Experienced cat breeders prefer to keep cats on natural feeding. If you know how to calculate the balance of BZHU and know how to supply the animal with the proper amount of taurine it needs, as well as vitamins, minerals and other biologically active substances, your cat will live long and happily.

Sometimes cats show a surprising love of eating grass. Your cat needs this to get rid of hairballs more effectively.

Cats fed an unbalanced diet may develop an addiction to eating foods that are unfamiliar to them. A small amount of cucumber, melon or black bread will not harm the animal. But do not experiment with human dishes! Cats do not know how to complain about being unwell, and ask for help only in the most extreme cases...

Main nuances of keeping a cat in an apartment

If you decide to get a cat, you will have to set a whole series of rules for yourself and your family. If you live on the second floor or higher, always make sure that the windows do not remain open - the cat may fall. If you don’t want to deprive yourself of fresh air, install a special one. metal mesh. It is important to note that the mosquito net is completely unsuitable for such purposes - it may not withstand the weight of the cat and fall out along with the animal.

The rules of behavior for responsible owners should apply to all family members, regardless of their age - it is very important to convey them to children in a timely manner. Whatever the breed of cat, care and maintenance for it are the key to health and friendly character. Regular brushing, regular and nutritious nutrition, eye and ear hygiene, teeth brushing, and other nuances are important to observe for all family members.

Eating plants and grass is a separate point that requires a lot of attention from the owners. It is important to know that some house plants are toxic and poisonous to cats. To protect indoor plants from your pet, plant cat grass in the container. You can buy it at any pet store. This will not only preserve other plants, but will also protect the animal from poisoning by indoor flowers. In addition, special cat grass stimulates digestion.

If you have a kitten or kittens in your home, it is important to take care of the safety of your pets. Curious animals in the process of playing can climb somewhere, get stuck, or inadvertently injure themselves. Just screens on the windows are not enough here. It is worth thinking about setting up a fenced enclosure for walking on the street or right in one of the rooms. It will allow kittens to play to their heart's content without causing damage to your apartment.

There is an exploratory spirit in every member of the cat family, and suppressing natural instincts is a difficult task. Don’t scold your cat’s desire to examine every centimeter of your home, because she is the owner and should know it inside and out. Domestic cats have a special attachment to their place of residence. Therefore, it is extremely important that the cat in the house has the opportunity to control its territory.

Elevated structures

It is common for cats to constantly climb to some heights. Outdoor cats can often be seen climbing trees. The pet should also be given this opportunity. Cats love to sit comfortably on a hill and watch everything that happens from above.

In a private house or in an apartment with several tiers, where there is a staircase, you don’t have to think of anything additional, since the staircase will be ideal for this. But in a small apartment you will need to build something similar. Of course, you can purchase ready-made designs, which often combine a scratching post, shelves, and a house, but a shelving unit or regular bookshelves are perfect for these purposes.

When preparing such a design, the following rules should be taken into account:

1. All elements must be well secured.
2. The surface of the shelves must be covered with anti-slip material.
3. There should not be any fragile objects in the cat's path.
4. It should be convenient for the animal to both climb onto an elevated surface using such a structure and go back down.

The ideal option is if the cat has a place to rest on a hill.

Maine Coon

Large cats, the weight of which can reach 12 kg, and the height at the withers - up to 40 cm. Despite the size and stern expression of the muzzle, Maine Coons are good-natured by nature. Cats of this breed have strong hunting qualities, so you should not allow kittens or adults to bite people on the arms and legs , even in play. In this case, you need to divert the cat's attention to something else or break off contact.

One of the most common diseases among Maine Coons is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy . This is a cardiac pathology, which can only be determined using a DNA test. Research of this kind is the duty of the breeder, who, when selling a kitten, can provide the test results to buyers.

But not all sellers want to spend money on tests. Therefore, sometimes owners find out about cardiomyopathy later. If the cat begins to choke, the color of its mucous membrane changes (the tongue turns from naturally pink to blue, white or purple), the animal cannot stand on its hind legs, screams in pain or the pulse is interrupted - you need to urgently go to the veterinary clinic. The help you provide in this case is meaningless and can lead to the death of the cat .

Another problem is bone fragility due to an unbalanced diet . The owners decide that natural food is better than what is sold in stores, and raise the animal on meat and cottage cheese. Such a diet is difficult to balance, and the cat’s body suffers because of this. It gets to the point where even a jump from a chair can result in a broken paw.

Don't "raise" a cat

Cats don't like that!

Many people are sure: it is important to immediately show who is boss in the house. And preferably, so that the cat understands this once and for all. One of the tips that can be found on the Internet is to grab the cat by the scruff of the neck, lift it higher and shake it thoroughly. Well, so that he knows his place. Some may even spank the animal a couple of times, apparently to reinforce the result. So, if you are given such advice, do not listen.

Because felinologists unanimously say: a cat is not a dog, he always hunts alone and, accordingly, does not need organization and distribution of roles. It’s stupid to explain to a cat what submission and control are; he simply won’t understand what you want from him. The cat-owner relationship is built on mutual sympathy and the cat's sense of security. A cat needs a close creature to cuddle up to, purr next to (at the same time ask for food), and trustingly curl up on his lap. If you start raising a cat using the above methods, then the cat will no longer consider you as a close being.