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Showing posts with the label baby cat care

How to Babysit a Cat: A Practical Guide for the Brave and the Curious

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    So, you’ve been asked to babysit a cat. Congratulations. You are now responsible for a small, fur-coated enigma that does not care about your schedule, your rules, or your Wi-Fi password. This isn’t dog-sitting. This is feline diplomacy. Here’s how to do it right.   1. Get the Basics First Before the owner disappears, gather intel. You’ll need:   Feeding schedule (cats are punctual)  Type of food (wet, dry, raw, gourmet pâté from France?)  Litter box location and cleaning routine  Medical needs, if any  Favorite hiding spots and forbidden zones  Emergency vet info.  Write it down. Cats don’t leave notes.    2. Respect the Space Cats are territorial. You are the guest. Don’t rearrange furniture or move the litter box. If the cat doesn’t greet you, that’s normal. You may be ignored for 48 hours. It’s not personal. Let the cat come to you. Sit quietly. Don’t stare. Avoid sudden movements. You’re building trust, not chasin...

Cat Parenting 101: The No-Fluff Guide to Raising a Well-Adjusted Feline

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    Let’s be honest. Cats aren’t small dogs. They don’t aim to please, and they certainly don’t fetch slippers—unless those slippers have tuna in them. Cat parenting is a strategic alliance: your cat tolerates your existence, and you provide heated beds, clean toilets, and snacks. But behind those judgmental stares and 3 a.m. zoomies is an animal that thrives with the right kind of care.    1. Know Thy Cat: Personality Isn’t Optional Cats are not interchangeable. Some are lap-loungers. Others are curtain-climbers. Observe before you assume. A cat who hides isn’t necessarily antisocial—she might just need space. Your job? Respect that. Forcing cuddles is a quick way to earn side-eye and scratches.    2. Litter Box Law: One Box Per Cat + One Extra Cats have standards. A dirty box is a personal insult. Scoop it daily, full change weekly. Multi-level homes need a box on each floor. Unscented litter. Covered boxes? Maybe. Not all cats like feeling trapped. Smell...

Cat Health: What They’re Not Telling You at the Pet Store

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So, you’ve welcomed a cat into your life. Congratulations. You now serve a small, fuzzy monarch with highly specific needs, a questionable attitude, and a talent for concealing illness like a pro poker player hiding a royal flush. Here’s what you actually need to know—not the syrupy “cats are easy pets” spiel, but the hard, fur-covered facts that make up the fine print of feline health care.    1. Your Cat Is a Master Illness Ninja Cats are biologically wired to hide signs of illness. In the wild, looking sick equals looking like lunch. So, if Mr. Whiskers is acting “a little off,” he’s probably been feeling bad for a while. Subtle signs like hiding more, skipping meals, or even just being a little grumpier than usual can signal something serious—from dental disease to kidney issues. Don’t wait until he’s face-planting into the water bowl. Be proactive. Schedule annual checkups like it’s jury duty: not optional.    2. Dental Disease Isn’t Just Bad Breath Here’s a del...

How to Care for a 1-Week-Old Kitten: A No-nonsense Guide for Rescuers and New Pet Parents

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       Caring for a one-week-old kitten is a serious commitment. These kittens are fragile, blind, and  fully dependent on human help if they don’t have their mother. Whether you’ve rescued an orphaned kitten or are supporting a queen (mother cat) with a litter, this guide is for you. It covers only what matters: real, practical tips that help the kitten survive and thrive.  1. Temperature Comes First A one-week-old kitten cannot regulate its body temperature. If they’re too cold, they won’t eat. If they’re too warm, they’ll overheat. Before feeding, before handling—check their warmth.   Ideal body temperature: 99°F to 102°F (37.2°C to 38.9°C).   Use a heating pad on low, placed under a blanket in one part of their nesting area. Never place the kitten directly on the heat source.    Room temperature should be at least 75°F (24°C).    No drafts. No cold floors. Always keep part of the area unheated so the kit...