If you are reading this material, then you are definitely thinking about getting a cat. But, nevertheless, something is stopping you from making this commitment. Maybe you are afraid that you will have an allergy to wool? Or maybe you're worried that your cat will scratch your furniture?
Perhaps your spouse or roommate refuses to have a pet? Whatever the reason, there are solutions. We've collected some of the most common obstacles to getting a cat, along with recommendations for how to overcome them.
The heart will thank you
Having a cat welcome you home and purr on your lap in the evening is a great way to reduce your daily stress levels. And where there is less stress, there is less stress on the heart and blood vessels.
In general, it is not surprising that the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases among owners of these tailed animals is significantly lower than among those who did not think of getting a cat.
Yes, scientists are quite categorical: they call the acquisition of a purring beast Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases. Results from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study Mortality Follow-up Study is an excellent strategic solution for those concerned about heart health.
Problems with the cat litter tray
If the thought of the litter box smell keeps you away from your cat, you're not alone. However, with daily care it is easy to get rid of this unpleasant factor. A clean litter box will also encourage your pet to use it more often. To minimize odors and increase the likelihood that your cat will use the litter box consistently, try the following:
With a little effort, any cat will learn where its toilet is.
- Buy litter that contains grains (clumps) or fine-grained clay litter, as research shows that your pets prefer this texture. As with any litter, you will need to clean the litter box daily and throw it out and get a new one about once a month.
- If you bring home a new kitten and have two pets, make sure you have enough litter box supplies - ideally one litter box for each cat, plus one extra. For example, if you have three cats, then there should be four trays. If your pet can't use the litter box due to digestive problems, or if the box is constantly dirty, unfortunately, they may start defecating on the floor.
- Don't overfill the litter box so you don't have to clean it as often. Remove litter up to twice a day if multiple cats are using the litter box at the same time. Aim for about an inch of filler per box.
- Some cats prefer to use a closed litter box with a lid, but most do not. Covered options tend to trap and intensify odors, so they need to be cleaned more often. Larger individuals may also have trouble maneuvering them. What solution? Try both types of litter boxes, indoor and outdoor, and see which your cat prefers before settling on one.
- A cat that constantly defecates outside the litter box may have health problems. Always consult your veterinarian before assuming the problem is intractable. In fact, it may be something that can be easily and quickly figured out.
Muscles and bones will become stronger
No, no, for this you won’t have to carry the well-fed Vasily (or Murka) in your arms. Strong muscles and bones are attached to every cat, even the skinniest and smallest. All you have to do is pet the animal regularly to make it purr.
Purrs are sounds at a frequency of 20–140 Hz. Research proves Biomechanical stimulation therapy as physical treatment of arthrogenic venous insufficiency that frequencies in the range of 18–35 Hz improve the mobility of joints and muscles after injuries, and are also able to heal microtraumas and prevent muscle atrophy Why do cats purr? . This is called biomechanical stimulation therapy.
If you adopt a kitten, consider that you have acquired a device for effective physiotherapy. And he, the “device”, is happy with you.
The neighbor doesn't want cats
This is definitely a very big and widespread problem, therefore, no matter how much we would like to, it will not be possible to solve it quickly. However, there are two options that you can use if suddenly you can’t imagine your home without a furry friend from the word “at all,” but the person you live with doesn’t want it:
If your household doesn't want to get a cat, you can persuade them
- Discuss this. Find out why your spouse or roommate doesn't want a cat. Maybe they prefer dogs. Or perhaps one day they want to get a pet, but now is not the “right” time. Talk about the benefits of pets: love, enjoyment, friendship and, even better, health. Research shows that a cat can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and even combat depression. This is a counter-argument for you to take note of.
- Offer solutions. If your roommate or spouse is resisting buying a cat (or even resisting your desire to adopt one from a shelter) because of problems like shedding or odor that you know you can handle, talk about how they can be resolved. .
- Or maybe the problem lies in the numbers? Do you want several cats but can only handle one? See if you can compromise. Perhaps cohabitants are just not sure if they even want a pet.
The solution is to start a conversation. Ultimately, if your spouse or neighbor is still against getting a cat, you can satisfy your feline cravings a little by visiting a shelter.
Mental health will improve
Several years ago, the reputable British company Cats Protection surveyed Pets and mental health more than 600 people, including both cat owners and people who do not have pets at all. Some of the respondents suffered from all kinds of mental disorders.
Scientists analyzed the responses and came to the conclusion: 87% of those who owned cats said that a mustachioed and striped pet had a beneficial effect on their psychological well-being. And 76% also added that a cat helps them cope better with everyday stress.
Solid advantages
They don't spend a lot of money. Unlike a dog, which you often cannot feed, even an adult cat will not cost you much money. Litter, food, water - that's all you need to make your furry friend happy.
- Attachment. They say a dog is a man's friend. But cats also become very attached to their owners. They pick you up from work, sleep with you, come to “cuddle” you. It has been scientifically proven that stroking a cat can calm you down and relieve stress.
- They entertain. It's fun to watch a kitten playing with a candy wrapper, a sunbeam or a laser. Even when they are sleeping, they are able to take a pose that will make you smile. And if you give your cat a drop of catnip or valerian, get ready to wipe away tears of laughter.
- Protect from pests. If you live in your home, you have probably at least once encountered the problem of small pests. The presence of a cat reduces the number of annoying rodents and some insects. Remember how cats catch flies - that's hilarious!
- Kittens are not only funny, but also cute. Their wide eyes and bushy tails will melt any heart. Of course, sooner or later kittens grow up, but their childhood is the most touching period.
- They don't need much space. Many cats are happy to live in a small apartment. They usually like to sleep on a windowsill or, for example, on a nightstand. True, there are such cunning guys who fall apart on half the bed. And this is where you try to kick them out!
- Unlike dogs, cats do not need to be walked and trained in commands. Just imagine: you won’t have to get up early in the morning and go outside in the cold.
You won't suffer from loneliness
Throughout our lives, each of us experiences periods of loneliness and social rejection. They may be associated, for example, with moving to an unfamiliar city or country, or the loss of loved ones and friends. The feeling of loneliness that arises is sometimes so great that you want to give up.
A pet is a creature that forces the owner to organize his life: take care of him, feed him, and clean the litter box on time. But in the end, a person feels How Pets Help Manage Depression that he is needed and continues to live, no matter what.
Allergy to cats
While the ideal solution to an allergic reaction is to avoid the thing you're allergic to, you can minimize symptoms by working on it a little. However, the first step is to visit an allergist to make sure that you are truly allergic to cats. As soon as you are sure that the much-desired furry is causing an allergic reaction, read all the facts about this diagnosis.
Allergies are not a death sentence for those who dream of having a furry friend.
For example, it is useful to know that people with this diagnosis are actually allergic not to cat fur, but to proteins contained in the animal's saliva, urine and dander. This is why it is important to bathe your pet on time. This may reduce your exposure to this protein, but unfortunately the effect will not last long. It is worth considering that bathing kittens too often can irritate their sensitive skin. Do not abuse what can help you (even if only for a short time), but harm the “culprit” of your allergy.
You can relieve its symptoms by making the following changes to your usual lifestyle:
- Keep your bedroom cat-free. This is the place where you spend the most time, so don't let furries play there to reduce the symptoms of the diagnosis. We recommend that you purchase “special” bedding that is less permeable to allergens (if you have the opportunity, of course). This can allow you to significantly alleviate the consequences of interacting with your pets.
- Remove dandruff. Vacuuming, ventilating, dusting, and sweeping frequently can help reduce the buildup of pet dander (where most of the protein that causes intolerable allergies accumulates). Consider making your job easier by minimizing carpets, heavy curtains and upholstery in your home.
- Wash yourself. Frequently washing your hands and face can help significantly reduce the likelihood of dandruff and, as a result, allergies.
- Filter the air. Change your home air filters regularly and consider installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter. The difference in your life, as an allergy sufferer, without him and with him will be incredibly noticeable.
- Try medications. Both over-the-counter allergy medications and injections can help relieve allergy symptoms. The drugs have a cumulative effect, so over time they can also help reduce the manifestations of the disease.
And you'll sleep better
Surveys among patients suffering from sleep disorders give an interesting result: if a pet - the same cat - is in the bedroom or even bed, sleep becomes calmer, deeper and more peaceful. This is indicated by more than 40% of respondents. Are Pets in the Bedroom a Problem? .
Should your pets sleep in the bed with you? A new study's surprising answers, from Mayo Clinic sleep specialist Lois Krahn, say cats are akin to an effective and completely harmless sedative that can be prescribed to almost anyone.
Shedding cats
Hair loss is normal for both humans and cats. Felines typically lose more hair in the spring as the weather is warmer. But also, cats shed due to medical problems such as: stress, poor diet, allergies, medications, infections and sunburn. To minimize shedding in cats, veterinarians suggest:
- feed your pet healthy and balanced food, or even follow a diet in accordance with the doctor’s instructions;
- Regularly brush and care for your pet's fur
When caring for your cat, be sure to check for suspicious hair loss, redness, various bumps, cuts, fleas, ticks or other parasites. If you see signs of any of these problems or simply don't know why your kitten is shedding so much, contact your veterinarian.
Which place in the house does he choose?
Under no circumstances should a cat be limited in its movement around the house; it will choose the most suitable place for itself. Cats love it to be warm, soft and cozy, so they often like to lie near heat sources in the apartment.
But sometimes cats, completely inexplicably, choose a place in the house where there are no amenities for them, and lie there for a long time. This suggests that there is an accumulation of negative energy in this place, which the cat is trying to neutralize by maintaining the energy balance of the house.
The same thing happens when one of the owners is sick. And these pets are very fond of dark and secluded places, which are so suitable for tracking down “prey”, because no one has canceled their natural hunting instincts.
It is impossible to determine in advance which place in the house a cat will choose for itself. There is no need to rush, you need to give her time to get comfortable, explore the territory and settle into a new place.
Cat or kitten?
This question is individual for each case. Some are completely sure that you should only take a small one, while others, on the contrary, talk about the positive aspects of an adult animal. Everyone makes a choice, the main thing is that it is conscious.
If the future owner has a lot of free time, the choice may be made in favor of a small kitten. At the same time, the main thing to remember is that the baby requires a lot of attention, care and time.
People who are rarely at home, due to work or frequent business trips, should carefully weigh the pros and cons before getting a pet. In this case, it is recommended to choose an already formed animal for a friend and family member.
Is the cat from the street or a shelter?
Without a doubt, both options deserve some love . If a person decides to take into his home a mature cat, which he feeds on the street for several weeks, this does not mean that the pet wants the same. There are several cases in which this should not be done:
- The animal does not accept human affection, responding to it with a hiss.
- Small children or other animals live in the house.
- Veterinarians do not recommend taking home a cat that shows aggression.
As for shelter animals, you should take a closer look at them and ask the workers about their behavior. This is done in order to get to know the pet and make a decision on which its future life will depend.
Interesting facts related to black cats
Not all black cats are actually black. Almost every kitten has several light hairs on its body.
An interesting observation is that more black cats live in cities (as a percentage) than in villages and towns. Charcoal-colored cats are unsurpassed hunters - rodents have no chance of noticing an animal of this color in the dark.
November 17 is the day of protection of black cats. There are 22 breeds of black cats.
Even taking into account all the negative aspects of meeting this spectacular animal, you should not be afraid of the possible consequences of the event, because it is rather the choice of the person himself - to perceive the coal pet as a symbol of trouble or as the beginning of a bright streak.
Cons of an adult cat
Choosing an adult cat that is already fully formed has almost no disadvantages. After all, when choosing, everything that a breeder can expect is revealed. Something new is unlikely.
- Adaptation . A mature animal can take a long time to adapt to a new home and all its members. Sometimes this lasts up to 3 months. But there are cases when adaptation takes place very quickly, the animal understands and accepts all the rules of the new home.
- Getting used to new things . Adult animals do not always know how to do everything a new breeder needs. There are also cases where the animal suits all its habits and character, but is not taught, for example, how to drive a car. It will be a difficult challenge to accustom a mature animal to something new. But this is possible if you do everything gradually, unobtrusively. This, of course, is an advantage on the side of the kids. It is easier to instill skills in a child's return than to achieve this from a mature animal.
Cat aggression
Cats fight with each other and with people for a variety of reasons: emotional and physical. Territorial, male, and maternal aggression are just a few of the more common ones. And, of course, sometimes it's just overly exuberant play. While solutions depend on the cause, here are some to consider:
Cat aggression usually doesn't happen out of nowhere.
- Talk to your veterinarian. Cats can become aggressive due to a serious illness, so it is very important to rule out a physical cause for this behavior.
- Reward good behavior. Basically, cats are aggressive towards humans because they are scared or playing. To prevent them from playing rough, never use your hands or feet as toys. Offer more special equipment and spend time with your cat. You may also consider adopting another cat as a playmate or creating a more stimulating environment (such as an outdoor enclosure)
- Consider sterilization. Unsterilized males are more prone to aggressive behavior and can even influence the behavior of others. Therefore, make sure that all felines are sterilized.
- Easy competition among cats. If you have more than one cat, you can prevent competition by providing multiple food and water bowls, and placing one box for each cat, and another in different parts of the house.
- Buy pheromones. Provide hiding places and perches throughout the house. You can also buy artificial pheromones that mimic a cat's natural odor (undetectable by humans); This will help your pets stay calm.
- Use short-term medications. When prescribed by a veterinarian, they can help if you are struggling with cat aggression. Never give over-the-counter medications, especially those intended for humans, unless recommended by a veterinarian. Some drugs that are safe for humans can be fatal to cats.
- Restrain, but don't punish. Don't hit your cat for being aggressive, this will only cause more aggression and also fear. But don’t let your cat’s aggression go unaddressed. To stop furry cats from fighting, make a loud noise, pour water on the cats, or throw something soft at them. Don't try to separate two cats who are fighting.
Solving the problem of aggression between cats takes time. Seeking help from your family veterinarian or a Certified Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) can make this task much easier.
He has his own character
No matter how carefully you choose a breed for certain qualities that you like, you will still never guess how he will grow up. Yes, different breeds have certain tendencies towards certain behaviors, but this is not a 100% guarantee. For example, my purebred Scottish dog is not afraid of heights (although all descriptions of the breed say that Scots have problems with the vestibular system and therefore do not climb high places). She is also a bright extrovert who, in a state of excitement, will get at anyone (even me, an equally bright extrovert). And when we took her, we thought that it would be something calm and balanced.
That is, when choosing a kitten, you must understand that what it will actually be like is unknown. Perhaps he is 100% consistent with the characteristics of the breed, but perhaps not. So in any case, you take the pig in a poke. Therefore, you must be prepared to love a particular cat as a person with all its advantages and disadvantages.
You will be together for many years
Do you know what the life expectancy of cats is? In good conditions this is 15-20 years. That is, when you take a kitten, it’s not oohs and ahs, it’s your companion for the next 15 years. He has his own character and personality. He is a separate member of the family with his own preferences in food, pastime and habits. It's something you'll just have to come to terms with. And yes, you need to win his love, get used to each other. It will never be possible for this fluffy ball to become just a plush toy in your hands. The sooner you accept this, the sooner you will begin to build real interpersonal relationships.
This is a small predator
With all the ensuing consequences. He lives by instincts. It is impossible to explain to him what is good and what is bad. And you will have to put up with many manifestations of his predation. For example, since he will not sleep monotonously at night, he can hunt. And one day his sexual instinct will awaken. The cat may start marking its territory, and the marks will smell terrible. And the cat will start screaming and pester you in every possible way. We will have to put up with this, because the sexual instinct of cats dominates over the rest. And we need to decide whether the family should live with this instinct and have kittens or castrate (sterilize) the animal. If you are not ready for such problems, it is better not to take a cat into your family.
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