Right now, the anxiety level for many is high. Pets can help reduce anxiety. Jessica Brody reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in her writing a piece that offers some tips on what it takes to successfully adopt a cat. How can I say no?! Jessica is awesome, and I’m a cat lover! I’ve had cats most of my life, and still do.
So, this topic is right up my alley. With that said, I am honored to have Author Jessica Brody as my guest blogger this week. I hope you enjoy these wonderful tips!
5 Things You Need to Know About Adopting Your First Cat
Are you thinking about becoming a first-time cat parent? If so, you should know that in addition to a lifetime of love and entertainment, cats can also add some pretty serious responsibilities to your life. Being prepared for those responsibilities can save you some stress and headache as you help your feline family member adjust to a new life in a new home, so follow these steps.
Finding Your Perfect Feline Companion
Just like people, cats come in all sizes and with all sorts of personalities. If this will be your first cat or pet, finding a cat that fits your lifestyle and your own personality is important. That may involve looking for a new feline friend who loves to cuddle or one who prefers to be more active. You can ensure that the cat you pick is right for you by asking for a meet-and-greet before adopting. Wondering why you should adopt rather than shop for your new cat? With more than 6.5 million homeless pets, adopting from a shelter or rescue can save a life while improving your own. Plus, with so many cats in shelters, you’re sure to find your perfect match.
Buying Your Cat The Right Toys and Supplies
Before you bring your new cat home, you may want to pick up a few feline essentials. For example, you need to pick out the best wet food for your cat, one that will help them stay healthy and satisfied. Additionally, having quality cat toys can keep your new kitty from getting bored and clawing at your furniture, so research a few options for keeping your cat entertained. It may also take some time to figure out which toys your cat prefers, but luckily cat toys tend to be pretty affordable. In addition to toys, some other cat essentials you will need to have on-hand include a litter box, bowls for food and water, scratching posts, and a warm place for your new cat to nap and sleep.
Preparing Your Home for a New Cat
Setting up a litter box and bed will help your new furry family member feel more at home, but you also need to take a few additional precautions to keep your feline friend healthy. For instance, if you have certain house plants around your home, you will need to make sure they are not toxic to cats. Some of the most common house plants can cause illness or even death for cats, so it’s best to remove these plants before bringing your cat home. Other home hazards that can cause problems for your new cat include electrical cords, salt lamps, and even string.
Keeping Your Feline Friend Healthy
Getting rid of hazards in your home can prevent illness and injury for your new cat, but scheduling regular vet appointments for your cat is also crucial. Statistics show that over half of all cat owners do not consider regular wellness exams essential for their cat’s health. That couldn’t be further from the truth, especially since cats can hide illnesses and serious health problems. So, be sure to schedule annual check-ups for your cat and also be sure to ask your veterinarian about any vaccination or preventative medications your cat may need.
Caring for and Bonding with Your Cat
Check-ups are necessary to keep your new furry family member healthy but there are other steps you will need to take as well. Proper litter maintenance, for instance, is vital for preventing infections and behavior problems, so be sure to scoop litter every day and change it completely out at least once a month. Keeping your cat’s litter box clean is one of the most important steps you can take to protect his/her health. A clean litter box can also help cats feel more comfortable in a new home, but you will also want to take some time bonding with your cat. Leaving time for playing and cuddling is crucial for forging this bond with a new feline.
Don’t Forget About the Future
Pets, regardless of whether you realize it, are part of homeownership. As such, they can have a serious impact on the value of your property. If you let a cat run wild and scratch up your floors and walls, it’s going to cost you when and if you decide to put your house on the market. So, gently and lovingly set rules for your new cat. Teach them not to scratch at floor molding and carpeting by giving them other options, like scratching posts. If they make a mess on the floor, address that problem immediately so that stains and odors don’t linger. Many prospective buyers may have reservations about purchasing a home from a pet owner for these reasons, so take steps to ensure your house stays in excellent condition.
If you need a home appraisal, make an appointment with the experts at Aspen Appraisal. You can also learn more about home valuation at the Cleveland Appraisal Blog.
Cats can bring an endless amount of love and joy into your life but caring for a new cat can take patience, effort, and planning. So, before you bring your first cat home, check off the steps above so you will be fully prepared for life with your new best friend.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Jessica, thank you so very much for these delightful tips, and for being my guest! You have an open invitation here at the Cleveland Appraisal Blog.
Pets are part of home ownership for many! And, having pets can have an impact on the value of your home, as Jessica nicely pointed out. I hope you enjoyed this article! Please share it with your friends. I leave you with this cute little video to bring down your anxiety level a notch. Enjoy!
Have a great weekend everyone! Be safe out there!
Looking for a qualified real estate appraiser in your area? Go to www.FindMyAppraiser.com
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You can also listen right here at Cleveland Appraisal Blog!
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If you are interested in stats, and nothing but the stats, for neighborhoods in Northeast Ohio, check out my other podcast. In it, I provide short episodes that provide you with stats on median sales prices, marketing times, housing inventory and other related stats, on specific neighborhoods in Northeast Ohio. You can find me on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Play Music, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Radio Public or you can listen right here at the Cleveland Appraisal Blog.
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Here are some links to other articles and podcasts I’ve enjoyed recently! I hope you will also…
The U.S. Housing Market: Greatest Of All Time (GOAT)? – Housing Notes by Jonathan Miller
Why is housing inventory so low? – Sacramento Appraisal Blog
Appraiser’s Tips For Making A Market Based Offer – Birmingham Appraisal Blog
Fact Witness vs. Expert Witness – APPRAISAL TODAY
September Newsletter – Inventory Falling with the Leaves – DW Slater Co Blog
5 Things You Should Research Before Downsizing During the Pandemic – DW Slater Co Blog
