A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners to Keeping Cats

April 5, 2025

A Comprehensive Guide for New Cat Owners: Scientific Care and a List of Essential Pet Supplies

To help novice cat owners quickly master the core points of scientific cat care, this article will combine the knowledge of cat behavior and health management to systematically sort out six key points to note, and recommend suitable pet product solutions to help improve the quality of life of furry friends.

I. Scientific Cat Selection and Health Screening

Before adopting a kitten, it is necessary to confirm its health condition. Priority should be given to choosing an individual that is mentally active, has smooth fur and no eye or nasal secretions. It is recommended that a professional veterinary physical examination be completed within 72 hours after the first cat reception, with a focus on screening for feline panleukopenia, parasites and ear mites. The use of pet portable aviation cases and kitten comfort blankets in combination can reduce the stress response during transportation. At the same time, prepare a pet hospital appointment list to deal with unexpected situations.

Ii. Construction of a nutritional diet System

1. Staged feeding plan

Kittens aged 0-3 months should be fed with dedicated cat milk powder (5-10 ml each time, 5 times a day). For those aged 4-12 months, they should transition to high-protein kitten food (with crude protein ≥34%). With a constant-temperature intelligent feeder, the feeding amount can be precisely controlled.

2. Key points for drinking water quality control

Equip a pet circulating water dispenser (it is recommended to change the water twice a day) to ensure fresh water sources and prevent urinary system diseases. The water quality testing pen can monitor the TDS value in real time, eliminating the risk of feeding raw water.

3. Warning on Prohibited foods

Strictly avoid toxic foods such as chocolate and Onions. Use sealed pet snack cans to isolate human food. Prepare hairball cream/cat grass sets to deal with hairball syndrome.

Iii. Construction of a Health Protection System

1. Vaccination schedule

The first dose of the triple vaccine is recommended to be administered at 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot 21 days later, in conjunction with the electronic immunization record card for file management.

2. Deworming cycle management

Internal deworming should be done once a month (broad-spectrum deworming tablets are recommended), and external deworming should be done every two months (a combination of drops and environmental spray is suggested). The pet deworming reminder APP can synchronously set the medication cycle.

3. The golden period for sterilization

Sterilization surgery is performed at 6 to 8 months of age. Before the operation, postoperative care pads and Elizabeth rings are prepared. After the operation, rehabilitation cans are prescribed to accelerate recovery.

Iv. Environmental Safety Upgrade Plan

1. Space protection renovation

Install a diamond screen window protection net (with a hole diameter of ≤3cm) to prevent falling from the building, and wrap the wires with a pet anti-electric shock protective cover.

2. Isolation of dangerous goods

Purchase a pet medicine box with a lock to store medicines and use a toxic plant identification guide to avoid dangerous varieties such as lilies and pothos.

3. Stress Management

Install pheromone diffusers for cats to relieve anxiety and set up multiple layers of hiding cat beds to provide a sense of security.

V. Standard Procedures for Daily Care

1. Hygiene management system

Choose low-dust clumping cat litter (it is recommended to clean it twice a day), and pair it with a fully enclosed cat litter box to reduce the spread of odors. Pet-specific disinfectant should be used to thoroughly clean the living area every week.

2. Hair management plan

Use a de-floating comb to groom the coat every week. For long-haired cats, use a knot-breaking spray to prevent tangles.

3. Nail care standards

Equipped with LED-illuminated pet nail clippers (trimmed once every two weeks), and placed in a cat scratch board matrix simultaneously to protect the furniture.

Vi. Behavioral Guidance and Interaction Skills

To avoid hostility caused by continuous eye contact with the cat, use an interactive cat toy stick to play for 15 minutes every day. Set up an intelligent pet camera to observe the state of being alone, and configure an automatic laser toy to satisfy the hunting instinct. The cat behavior training manual can correct bad habits.

A list of essential items for beginners

Basic support: Emergency medical kit for kittens, pet thermometer

Dining system: Intelligent weighing food bowl, stainless steel double bowl set

Health protection: Vaccine refrigerated transportation kits, deworming calendar tiles

Environmental optimization: anti-scratch sofa covers, silent running wheels

Back to News