Why Cats Can’t Be Considered Low-Maintenance: Everything You Should Know!

Dogs are pets that need very high care, as in addition to food, attention and affection, they also need daily exercise and training. Some dogs, especially high-energy breeds such as Australian Shepherds or Labrador Retrievers, need Much from exercise. When we compare the needs of cats to the needs of dogs, it is clear that dogs need higher care.

Prospective pet parents looking for a low-maintenance pet may think cats fit the bill perfectly. They don’t need to go on daily walks and won’t tear up the house if they get nervous while you’re away.

While cats can be fiercely independent, they are not as intrusive as some believe. They have a lot of needs that must be met on a daily basis and they are not a pet that you can adopt and allow to fend for themselves.. Keep reading to learn more.

food

Cats are habitual creatures, so they need a regular feeding schedule to give them the predictability they crave. Most veterinarians recommend feeding your cat at least two meals a day.

Cats have specific nutritional needs that you must meet to ensure they are able to live a long, healthy life. Take taurine, for example. Taurine is an amino acid found only in animal proteins. Your cat needs it because it is essential for vision, digestion, heart muscle function, and optimal immune system functioning.

Feeding your cat a taurine-deficient diet can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens heart muscle cells. Your cat may also develop feline retinal degeneration, which leads to Irreversible uncle.

Unlike dogs, cats are omnivores, which means that their health depends on the nutrients found only in animal products. Not only do plant matter not digest well, but they also need essential nutrients from meat.

A lack of protein amino acids will lead to health problems, so it is essential for potential cat owners to do some nutrition research to ensure that the diet they will be feeding their pets supports a healthy life.

luring

Grooming is another essential part of parenting.

Many people think that because cats do not need baths in the same way that dogs do, they do not need to do any cleaning at all. This is far from the truth. Your cat will require brushing once or twice a week to keep her coat and coat looking their best. Breeds of cats with long or silky coats should be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting.

Cats can sometimes control their nails on their own through physical activity and the use of scratching posts, but there may come a time when they need to trim their nails.

Not only will clipping their nails protect you from their sharp claws, but it can also prevent painful, broken claws that can occur when sharp ends become embedded in carpet, drapes, or furniture.

housing

Both cats and dogs need a roof over their heads to survive. Cats can get into a lot of trouble if they’re outside unsupervised for long periods of time. Some of the biggest outdoor cat fears include:

Outdoor cats can also cause environmental concerns because they have a high prey drive. As a result, cats are actually one of the The most invasive species in the world It threatens global biodiversity.

If you don’t plan to keep your cat indoors 24/7, you should make sure that she spends her time outdoors safely. For example, build an enclosed cateo so he can spend time outside without threatening the local wildlife, or invest in a chain so you can explore together without making a mess in your area.

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toilet

Cats are great because they don’t grumble about being allowed outside to do their business like dogs, but the downside is that you have to deal with cat litter on a daily basis. Dogs will go to the yard to get rid of bad smells outside your house, but cats need a specific area of ​​your house that is designated to use the toilet.

Litter is something you’ll need in the budget because it’s a recurring expense, just like your cat’s food. You will need to take it every day; Otherwise, your cat may start shedding it outside the box, and your house will start to smell.

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entertainment

Cats don’t need to be taken for daily walks or allowed outside to let off some steam the way dogs do. But just because you don’t play fetch with your cat doesn’t mean you don’t have to provide them with sources of entertainment.

Cats who don’t get enough mental or physical stimulation will get bored, and unfortunately boredom and cats don’t mix. A bored cat may develop inappropriate behaviors such as scratching, talking excessively, sleeping excessively, or being aggressive.

You should spend some time each day playing with your cat in some form. Buy different types of toys to see what your cat likes best.

You can’t stay indoors all day, so buy your cat a scratching post and a cat tree so your cat has some entertainment to pass the time when you’re away.

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health

Cats have a much longer average lifespan than most dogs, living about 15 years on average. Since they live longer, pet owners must be prepared to care for their cats throughout their lives. A longer life means more expenses such as food and veterinary care, and many more years to take care of your pet.

Cats are great at hiding illness or pain and have really evolved to be that way. When cats were in the wild, they would do everything they could to avoid attracting the attention of predators. Sick, sluggish, or injured cats may become easy targets in the wild.

Although your domesticated cat is safe from predators in your home, it is still so ingrained in her brain that she needs to hide any signs of illness or pain to protect herself. Your cat may be showing subtle symptoms that indicate illness, so you must be in tune with your pet to spot health issues. Some of the signs to look for include:

• Sitting in odd positions (eg, bending over)
• low energy
• Changes in the appearance of the coat
• shedding more than usual
• eye secretions
• nasal secretions
• Breathing changes
• drying
• Weight loss

A visit to the vet should be valid if you notice any unusual behaviors in your cat.

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last thoughts

Cats are self-sustaining for many things, but we wouldn’t consider them as low-maintenance pets. Proper cat care requires a lot of time, energy, space and money. It’s a huge responsibility, and the decision to adopt one should not be taken lightly. So, if you are looking for a pet that needs no maintenance, the cat is not.

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Featured image credit: xixicatphotos, Shutterstock

Cat Mom to Ivy – A feisty little rescue cat who is her only child. So far! Throughout her life, she has known the special love that can be found in the bond with a cat. Having owned several felines, she is more than sure that their love is unparalleled, unconditional, and unlike any other. With a passion for educating the public about everything there is to know about cats, their behavior, and their unique personalities, Crystal is dedicated to making sure all cats and their owners know the importance of an informed – and loving!