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

@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