When we first decided to adopt our cat Penny, I had never had a cat as a pet before. What I knew was that I was ready for a pet who I could cuddle and love, who would be calm enough to hang out on her own from time to time, but who would still be up for the occasional rambunctious laser chase and game of hide and seek.
While I did get all that and more with Penny, what I also got was an education in some of the things I had no idea about cats before Penny came into my life.
This is just the tip of what I learned.
Cats Sleep Way More Than I Knew They Did
When we first got Penny, I knew that cats liked to sleep a lot, and that I could count on Penny to be spending multiple hours a day snoozing in a little balled up kitten of slumber. What I had no idea was that the average cat can sleep anywhere from 13 to 18 hours a day, and that’s perfectly normal.
Which leads me to the second thing I learned about cats …
It’s Easy for Cats to Gain Weight
For indoor cats especially, it’s relatively easy for them to gain weight quickly (who can blame them with all that sleeping!), and when they do gain it, it can be harder for them to lose it since they aren’t a pet that can necessarily be exercised, per se. That’s why it’s extra important to make sure you are feeding your cat only the exact amount of food that she needs each day, and no more (check with your vet to find out how much that is). Many vets also recommend sticking with wet food to feed cats, since wet food comes in perfectly sized proportions, and it’s much easier to overfeed when you’re doling out dry bits of food with a scoop.
Speaking of weight gain, that leads me to …
It’s Important to Set Up Play Time With Your Cat to Keep Her Stimulated
While you’ll find that your cat will from time-to-time keep herself occupied playing with random objects around the house (that empty box or suitcase, an open drawer, your flower pot …), it’s still important to take the time to find toys and games that you know your cat enjoys playing. This will help her keep the weight off and it’ll keep your bond strong with your furry companion.
Cats Do Not Necessarily All Know How to Use a Litter Box
When we first got Penny, it seemed like she might never understand how to use a litter box. It felt like she went everywhere she possibly could (to include right next to her litter box) except for in her actual litter box. It turns out this is pretty normal for cats, especially young kittens who have just been introduced to a new home, like Penny was. A few things to keep in mind that might help, litterwise, include purchasing the largest litter box you can find, and making sure it’s low enough so that your small kitten can climb in. Try keeping the box in a semi-private place where your cat won’t have an audience when she goes, and train her to use it in the beginning by placing her directly in the litter box after she’s slept or eaten so she can start to equate the box with where she needs to go when it’s that time.
Everything’s for Penny …
I learned quickly that Penny would inspect and investigate every square inch of her new surroundings, and that every single new object I brought through the front door would be sniffed, scratched at or even licked. Basically in our house there’s a saying—everything’s for Penny. Which means we have to be careful with everything we bring home. Objects that are small—like erasers, pen caps and hair bands—will absolutely be batted about, and potentially even swallowed. Potted plants will be dug into and Penny will go into our rabbit’s cage when the top is off.
All of this is to say—bringing a cat into your home is a little bit like having a toddler. Assume everything will be interesting to your new companion, and try to cat-proof as much as possible. If there’s any question of whether or not something might be dangerous for your cat to play with or eat, ask your vet before bringing it home.
