Basic Needs

A Lifetime Commitment

Adopting your cat is a lifelong commitment. Animals develop a bond with you and your family. Cats are sensitive to their environment; major changes such as switching owners and households can be dramatic and very stressful. You need to make sure you are ready to provide food, water, shelter, medical care and love throughout the life of your cat – this could be for 15 to 20 years. You also need to make sure you are committed to keeping your cat as a trusted and loved companion as changes occur in your life (moving, pregnancy, job changes, etc.) 

No matter what age or how healthy you are, make sure you make preparations for your cat if you become unable to care for her.  This information should be incorporated into your will, or at minimum, a letter should be kept with your important papers. Make sure the caretaker knows they are responsible for your cats and that they should be contacted if something should happen. 

An Enriching Environment

You need to make sure there are plenty of positive stimuli in your cat’s environment. This would include a variety of toys that are changed out periodically, and playing with or petting your cat in different rooms. You should plan on spending 15 to 30 minutes twice a day playing with your cat. It could be less if you have a multiple cat household in which the cats keep each other company.  Make sure you pet and praise your cat whenever you have the chance, even if it is a quick stroke.

Inside vs. Outside

Cats do not need to go outside. The average age of an outdoor cat is 1 to 3 years.  The average age of an indoor cat is 15 years.  A cat that goes outside has a higher chance of getting sick, injured or killed by other animals, cars, etc. Cats in the wild roam because of their need for food, water, shelter, and mating.  Indoor cats can have a fulfilling life in your home as long as you provide plenty of food, water, love, and stimulus. For example, cat’s like to bask in the sunshine so you need to make sure your cat has access to windows and sunlight.  Cats also like to chase and capture small objects so you need to make sure you have toys that represent a chase and capture situation.

Human Contact

Creating that human bond is important in establishing the relationship with your cat. Each cat has its own personality and needs. Your cat will let you know when they want to be pet. Cats like to be near you when you are home; they might sit on the couch with you or in a chair across the room or in their bed. When you pass by them, make an effort to pet them and see how they respond. If a cat wants attention, they will lay in your line of sight to get your attention. That is why your cat will lay on the newspaper or a book as you are reading it, or on your computer as you are trying to work. Cats like to be pet under the chin, behind the ears, on their back, and on their head. A cat’s underside is very sensitive. You should only pet a cat on its stomach if it exposes it to you willingly. If a cat does not want your attention, their ears will go back, they will recede, their tail will start twitching, their body will stiffen, or they will start hissing. If they do display this behavior, do not touch them, let them be. If a cat gets over stimulated they might nip. If this happens, leave them alone until they calm down. 

Proper Handling

To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters and lift gently. You should not pick your cat up by the front legs or the scruff of the neck.