Cats are clearly not just objects to be used and discarded according to the human whim and convenience. They are sensitive beings with feelings and desires of their own, and it is our responsibility to recognise those feelings making the relationship both beneficial for them and us. The key area is to achieve mutual fulfilling partnerships by understanding and catering to their needs thereby optimising both their health and quality of life of our own.

If you are looking at a specific breed, find a breeder that is reputable with information of its parents and the condition of the place meeting with animal welfare standards. Adopting from a shelter or fosterer is extremely rewarding as they are neutered, vaccinated and house trained who make excellent individuals with special care needs. Adoption of a pet from a shelter helps provide the pet with a secure and loving home, as well as creating space within the centre for another animal in need. A good shelter will prepare a prospective pet for transition to its new home and will take time to identify and address potential behavioural issues, if any exist. Many will also try to match a pet with its new family to maximise the chances of success. This may involve completion of a questionnaire, a home visit and meetings with existing pets on neutral ground to ensure compatibility. In doing so, you have saved a life and given a second chance. Kudos to you!

A few easy pointers below on how to care for your finicky feline:

Environment

A suitable environment is done by cat proofing your house for instance securing tv wires especially and cables so they don’t chew on them and keep household products and foods at unreachable areas. Provide toys and scratching posts especially the tall ones (from my experience) as cats love to jump and perch from high ground. Boxes are also their favourite and you can even do it homemade.

Diet

The need for a suitable complete and well-balanced diet is most important and the best person to advise is your Veterinarian. Always provide clean, fresh water at all times and food bowls washed daily.

Behaviour

In the long history of domestication, cats still need the opportunity to express their behaviour needs. A behavioural ‘need’ is best defined as a behaviour that an animal is strongly internally motivated to perform and which is likely to be influenced by genetic factors. If an animal is unable to express these needs for an extended time, it will become frustrated. Providing companion animals with opportunities to express these natural behaviours will support good welfare and help avoid the development of a variety of inconvenient or problematic behaviours. Cats scratch to keep their claws in good condition by removing the blunted outer claw sheaths. Scratching is also used as a form of communication through scent signalling and through the vertical markings that are left behind. When a cat scratches at or near points of entry or exit, this can indicate feelings of insecurity; investigation of the cause can help the cat to rebuild a stronger sense of security, if the owner makes appropriate changes. Providing opportunities for indoor cats to use scratching posts around the home can help prevent damage to furniture or curtains.

Companionship

No matter how independent cats are as we know, companionship is still needed. They need the warmth and love that comes with living indoors with their family.

Health

A regular check-up is necessary and the cat needs to be protected from pain and suffering so ensure that you have found a veterinarian near your residence. Knowing how agile cats are, microchip them in case they get lost.

It is always advised to keep cats indoors as it prevents cat fights and other diseases but most importantly, the prevention of being run over by a vehicle.