A Few Tips for Seniors Getting a New Cat

new cat

Cats can make excellent companions. They’re not just cute, they also have motors built-in and can catch mice. However, there’s more to owning one than just having a soft companion that purrs. Here’s a quick look at a few things you’ll need to consider before getting a new cat.

Check-Up

Before you bring your new pet home, make sure you get it a checkup and that it has all the immunizations it needs. Make sure the vet checks it for cat UTI symptoms as well since they’re prone to that type of infection. Also, if it hasn’t been spayed or neutered, you’ll need to get that done. This can be the key to having a cat that’s both happy and healthy, as opposed to one that’s miserable and spraying your furniture or clawing everything up.

Your Health

Remember that keeping your mind and body healthy is paramount. Do you suffer from allergies? If so, before you get a cat you might want to have an allergy test to ensure you aren’t allergic to pet dander. On the other hand, some people who suffer from this type of allergy may adapt when it comes to their own pet while still being allergic to cats that don’t belong to them. If you’re adamant about getting one, get one that is low in allergens. Check with your local vet before choosing one.

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Lifestyle

Seniors tend to have independent natures, but so do cats. However, cats aren’t exactly able to completely care for themselves. Before adopting a cat, ensure that your specific lifestyle can accommodate one. How busy do you stay? How much time do you spend in your home? Things like this can affect the type of cat best suited to you. People who stay extremely busy won’t have the time needed for cats that need a lot of attention and grooming, especially those felines that are highly active and intelligent. Do your research to make sure you’re getting a cat that will suit your lifestyle.

Changing Circumstances

There’s no doubt that cats and seniors are good together, but after adopting one, what if you have a change in your circumstances? Maybe you end up going back to work and putting in long hours but you still want that fuzzy face greeting you when you come home. One good solution to something like this might be to get a buddy for him to play with.

Cat Needs

Your cat will need a good litter box and cat litter. A litter box that’s enclosed will allow both of you a bit more privacy. Litter that clumps is easier for you to maintain. Make sure that you keep that litter box clean, both for your nose and for the cat. Additionally, the animal will need food that’s both age-appropriate and well-balanced. 

Play

Cats adore playing. Empty boxes, feathers, string, and toy mice, among other things, make for fantastic cat amusement. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on cat toys, you can even make your own, just ensure that there’s enough for the animal to remain mentally occupied, active, and happy.

There you have it! You’ve just read about some of the things that are great to keep in the forefront of your mind when you’re looking to get yourself or a senior you know a new cat. One final thing to keep in mind is that cats can live for around 20 years, so you should make sure that the responsibility is one that you don’t mind taking on for that amount of time.

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A Few Tips for Seniors Getting a New Cat
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