The 26 Basic Needs Of The Cat!

All cat lovers know it, the cat is a demanding animal that knows what it wants. But wouldn’t it be rather when all his basic needs are not covered that our little felines show themselves to be intransigent, even difficult? How to create the environment conducive to the development of your velvet paw? What are the basic needs of the cat to create a relationship of trust and friendship throughout a lifetime?

The Ideal Cat Environment

The cat, unlike us, lives in 3 dimensions. If he is not very demanding on the are to be surveyed and knows how to adapt to life in an apartment, he likes to observe, watch and spy. A large lifeless territory will always be less interesting in his eyes than a home sweet home where he can, apart from the siesta, indulge in different activities. For the cat, the ideal territory consists of:

1 – The cat likes to scan the horizon by gaining height. For the animal that never goes out, leave or create spaces where it can climb.

2 – Provide high sleeping places and clear the top of your fridge, some shelves and furniture or your cupboards so that he can rest or hide there.

3 – Our felines are much more sensitive to smells than we are. In addition, to feel at home, they must be able to find their own smell. The more essential oils, home fragrances or floral household products you use, the less your tomcat will feel at home. By choosing neutral scents or no scents at all to clean your home, the less tempted he’ll be to mark his territory and the more at home he’ll feel.

4 – Although felines are reputed to be solitary, they are quite capable of living in harmony with other felines. However, if your kitty does not support the company of other cats, it is better to respect his choice. If you decide to take another congener, take the time to make the presentations in order so that everyone finds happiness in this new dynamic.

5 – Offer a quiet place for the meal and easily accessible. If you have several cats, make sure the bowls are far enough apart. The water must be accessible at will and if your tomcat does not like to soak his vibrissae, offer him a large flat bowl or a water fountain.

6 – Isolated, far, very far from its dining area, your feline’s toilet must respect its privacy. Keep it clean and away from noisy objects. If you have floors, you can offer a litter for each floor. When you have adopted several cats, it is at least one litter per tomcat.

Appropriate Care

In addition to respecting their privacy and their need for tranquility during meals or to relieve themselves, the cat has basic requirements that should not be forgotten.

1 – The food must be adapted to his age, his activity, his health, his corpulence and his tastes. Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibres, vitamins and minerals must take into account the energy needs of the animal and vary according to the stages of your cat’s life.

2 – Unless he is overweight, it is best to adopt self-service to feed your little companion. Indeed, our nibbler can eat up to 16 times a day. If you adopt dry food for your pet, make sure there is always a bowl of fresh water nearby.

3- Cat identification is mandatory for all felines born after the 1^erJanuary 2012. Thus, if your companion escapes or gets lost, you can find him much more easily.

4 – The annual vaccination of your feline companion is essential to protect it from serious diseases even if your cat does not go out. We can bring infections such as typhus or coryza under our soles or by stroking another cat. Coryza, typhus, leucosis and chlamydiosis are among the recommended vaccines. The rabies vaccine is no longer mandatory in France, but remains mandatory if you fly or leave the territory with your little companion.

5- Treatment against external or internal parasites remains necessary. Fleas and dewormers protect your pet from parasites and infections that they can transmit to him or you.

6 – Regular brushing of his coat and regular treatment against hairballs will protect your cat from the inconvenience of daily grooming that takes hours to perform.

7 – In addition to his hair, brushing his teeth will protect them from tartar and the inconveniences and infections caused by dental plaque.

8- Cats that don’t go out are bored. Boredom leads them to overeat and leads to different ailments. For his well-being, offer him toys with which he can have fun on his own and spend time playing with him. Mobiles, hidden foods, ball games will have to occupy him between his mealtimes and sleeping hours. Don’t forget the scratching post if your cat never goes out.

9- Finally, to prevent too many cats and kittens from finding themselves abandoned and without care, have your pet sterilized.

Respect For His Personality

All our little felines are unique: some are very playful, others, more philosophical, will be content to observe your comings and goings in the home.

1 – All cats, especially kittens that have lived outside may not appreciate being locked up overnight. If you let your cat roam outside, keep opening the door for her or offer her a cat flap.

2 – As cuddly and tender as your charming predator is, he may not appreciate being held in your arms. Being carried may have felt like a danger to him, because if he is a predator, his size also makes him a prey. Do not insist and find another way that suits him better to share your tender moments. Some toms will only tolerate a few brief caresses while being very clingy, others, very independent, will however be eager for cuddles on their return. By adapting to his personality, you will create a much calmer relationship that will reassure your cat.

3- Even if your cat is an adventurer who spends his time outside, he will enjoy playing with you. The fishing rod or another game that he likes will allow you to create real moments of complicity with your companion.

4- Forget iron discipline. The cat that does something stupid and that you yell at will not understand your anger. Worse, the loud voices frighten and worry him and can amplify unwanted behaviors such as scratching or needs made outside the litter box.

5- One of the essential needs of the cat that we too often forget is scratching. If this behavior leaves indelible marks on our furniture, this action has different functions:

• Territory marking;
• Develop and maintain muscles and claws;
• Relax and have fun.

Offer him several scratching posts so that he can express all his talents.

A Good Start And Education

When you decide to adopt a kitten, first make sure that he has spent enough time with his mother and siblings. Normally, the kitten should not leave its mother before the age of two months. Before this period, its weaning is not carried out and your little hairball is very likely to turn into a tiger as an adult. It is only from his fourth week of life that he learns to detach himself from his mother and to gradually live without her. If the legal age of adoption is 8 weeks, however, socialization only begins at this time, it will take a few more weeks for the small animal to learn to live with other cats or with humans.

1 – To get your relationship with a cat off to a good start, it is best to wait until it is 3 months old;

2 – Be ready to devote time to your kitten, it still requires a lot of attention;

3 – Prepare everything necessary to welcome him: bowls, food, bedding, litter box and toys;

4 – Let him explore his new home at his own pace;

5 – Prepare your children for his arrival so that they respect this little being and remain calm so as not to frighten him.

6 – Gently start his education:

• Gently accustom him to being handled. Practice brief sessions and carry out the manipulations outside of the nap or the meal.
• Teach him to play with a toy so he doesn’t bite or scratch you. If he lets go, tell him “No claws” or “Don’t bite” in a firm tone and stop playing for a few seconds.
• Do not shout or hit your small animal. Raise your voice firmly with a “no” when your kitten does something stupid. Conversely, if he behaves well and likes petting, reward him with a tender gesture.

If you want to adopt a cat for the first time, learn about felines, read, ask the breeder you have chosen to better understand the needs of your tomcat and offer him the care and love necessary for his development.