Some honest, helpful things you should know before owning a cat 🐾 1.

@Annacats Cats aren’t aloof, grumpy animals. With rare exceptions they are friendly and talkative and seek out your touch and desire to be close to you.

@Annacats that whatever vets write down on their notes becomes a pre-existing condition, whether they've been tested for it or not. Always read your vets notes before agreeing/paying, never let them write anything down that they haven't qualified via a test or proof, because one day you could try to claim for a pets veterinary care and find out your vet has been writing down s*** on their notes for years that preclude you from any pet insurance support/payout whatsoever, challenge everything.

@Annacats last year my vet tried to blame a neurological issue on a pre-existing kidney problem, I asked them what tests they had done to evidence this and he said oh it's just what I believed has happened based on the results, none of the tests have backed this theory up, that little piss take could have cost me £8,000, I told him in no uncertain terms if he ever makes an assumption or fills out an opinion ever again I will personally have him investigated for fraud...

@Annacats it honestly blows my mind that people are excited to move over to a private healthcare payment system in the UK, they really don't understand that they will spend their life arguing with alleged professionals to try and not get absolutely financially turned inside out by these money grabbing f*** heads...

@Annacats

Their nails need trimming. Get a propper cat nail clipper and learn how to do it for them. Save your furniture and your skin. They often learn to appreciate not getting stuck on everything.

Most cats also adore being brushed with a rubber grooming brush. It's good for them and saves you a lot of shed hair as well.

Never use negative reinforcement like yelling, brooms, or spray bottles to train your cats. Instead, be gentle, kind, caring, and relentless. Don't want your cats on the dinner table? Tell them in a clear voice that they must get down as you walk over and lift them down EVERY TIME. They'll get the message eventually and you won't damage your relationship with them. Removing temptations where you can helps a lot.

Lean to speak cat. It's mostly body language. It's comforting and builds trust and understanding, both ways.

@Annacats read the book of Anneleen Bru 'I Love Happy Cats'. Personally, I think the title is not the best, but she is thé authority on cat behaviour among vets and vet nurses.

@Annacats also, as a vet nurse, cat owners could definitely carrier train their cat. Many times an appointment is canceled because they can't catch the cat.
Also find a Cat Friendly Clinic (bronze, silver or GOLD certificate). These professionals do everything to keep the veterinary visit as stress free as possible, for you and the cat.🥰

@Vonskinnback Thank you for flagging this it’s really important advice. Reading notes carefully and asking questions is just being a responsible advocate for your cat.

Some honest, helpful things you should know before owning a cat
1. Cats are independent, not low-maintenance. They need daily care, play, mental stimulation, and affection just on their terms.
2. Vet care is non-negotiable. Vaccines, spay/neuter, emergencies and aging care can be costly and long-term.
Cat parents, what would you add. Drop your best tips, lessons learned or things you wish you knew before getting a cat.
#cats #catlovers #cat #caturday #CatsOfMastodon

Some honest, helpful things you should know before owning a cat
1. Cats are independent, not low-maintenance. They need daily care, play, mental stimulation, and affection just on their terms.
2. Vet care is non-negotiable. Vaccines, spay/neuter, emergencies and aging care can be costly and long-term.
Cat parents, what would you add. Drop your best tips, lessons learned or things you wish you knew before getting a cat.
#cats #catlovers #cat #caturday #CatsOfMastodon

@Annacats my cat is 19, in pretty good health (apart from his recent neurological issue last year which has caused him issues with his front paw meaning he has reduced mobility now) - but up until June last year he was still out and about healthy as anything, during those 19 years I have gone through 3 veterinary practises, you have to advocate for your family & never be afraid to question anything, the fact is nobody is the best at anything in the world, they all make mistakes & have bad days.

@Annacats

First one was thankfully passed on to me before I became a cat parent.

Hands are never toys.

Second one I really wish I'd had earlier. Get your cats used to being handled for future vetcare. Use patience and lots of whatever keeps them calm so you can handle their paws, but also get them comfortable having their mouth opened. Practice tooth brushing (delicious things on a child's toothbrush works), give them cat milk or gravy in a tiny syringe, small treats from a pill gun. It will help so much with oral medication. Figuring these things out before you're dealing with a cat that's in pain, without the pressure that they really need whatever you're trying to give them, is a lot easier. Take them for short carrier trips. Concentrate on building trust. The trust has mostly got us there without the practice, but it definitely could have been easier

@Annacats A cat *will* have an expensive medical condition or incident if they live into their teens. Just assume that -- getting a kitten means, eventually, managing a chronic condition or having health emergencies that are both stressful and expensive.

I don't think many people realize or prepare for that.

You get in what you put out -- if you are a good, patient, caring pet guardian, you will likely have a good, caring, pet. Doesn't mean your cat might not be grumpy or sassy, doesn't guarantee they'll be a lap cat, but it does build trust and love.

You don't *own* a cat. Nobody owns a cat except the cat. You are their friend and caretaker. They are individuals and have their own motives and personality. You have to accept that to have a good relationship with a cat.

Cats are nature's union representatives. If you have a cat friend, it will enforce rest breaks and demand you take time from work to pay attention to its needs. Listen to the cat. They know what's best.

Routines build trust. Create routines your cat can count on -- feeding schedule, snacks, scooping their box, playing.

There is nothing quite so validating as the earned trust and affection of a cat. It is worth working for.

@kittyboy77 This is gold advice,thank you for sharing it so thoughtfully 🧡. Your experience will help so many future cat parents.

@Vonskinnback I’m really glad to hear your cat is doing well, especially at 19 that’s wonderful. 🧡
You’ve clearly been an incredible advocate for him, and it shows. Vets are human and speaking up is part of loving your family well.

@jzb This is beautifully said honest, realistic, and full of respect for who cats really are. Thank you for sharing this perspective so thoughtfully it’s something every cat guardian should read 🫶.

@Annacats in the UK there have recently been investigations with the idea of expanding out a code of conduct for veterinary practises and their pricing, because I think people are struggling to find good veterinary care in the UK after Brexit but when they do find it they are being exploited for profit, it is a similar thing to what has been happening in the funeral industry as well, they leverage our fear and sadness for profit, knowing very few people will push back and/or question pricing...

@Annacats that's really kind - thank you very much! I hope people keep sharing good tips.

Some honest, helpful things you should know before owning a cat
1. Cats are independent, not low-maintenance. They need daily care, play, mental stimulation, and affection just on their terms.
2. Vet care is non-negotiable. Vaccines, spay/neuter, emergencies and aging care can be costly and long-term.
Cat parents, what would you add. Drop your best tips, lessons learned or things you wish you knew before getting a cat.
#cats #catlovers #cat #caturday #CatsOfMastodon