Everyone! Are you having fun with your cat? I think so!! I don't know what my cat thinks about it though...
What kind of animal is a cat?
Cats are capricious and independent creatures. Unlike dogs, which are loyal to their owners and easy to train, cats only obey commands when they feel like it. They can't even be trained to "shake hands" or "sit." A recent study found that cats can recognize their own names. While this may come as a surprise to those who have owned dogs, that's about all they can teach. Still, when it comes to knowing how to woo their owners for treats, they're smarter than any other animal. And compared to rabbits, which are said to die from loneliness, cats tolerate solitude well. They enjoy their lives alone, even without forcing physical contact. Despite being difficult to train and resistant to loneliness, more and more people are finding it acceptable to be at the mercy of such cats. In 2017, cats surpassed dogs as the number of pets in Japan for the first time, ushering in a full-scale cat boom.
What you need to keep a cat
There are three things you absolutely need when you bring a cat into your home: a litter box, food and water, and a place to sleep.
◇Cat litter box
If you put cat litter in the cat litter box, your cat will often be able to use it properly without any training. Cats are very clean, so be sure to regularly remove their feces and pee. If the litter box is left dirty, some cats may try to use it somewhere other than the litter box. Also, if you have multiple cats, it is best to provide as many litter boxes as there are cats.
Food and water
Try to keep your cat's food and water as far away from the litter box as possible. Cat food is sold in different nutritional compositions for different ages, such as for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. Choosing food appropriate for your cat's age will help kittens grow and prevent adult cats from becoming obese. Change your cat's water at least once a day.
◇Bed
Make sure you have a place in your home where your cat can feel at ease. Placing a soft blanket or cushion there will make your cat feel very comfortable. Also, cats like high places, so having a high place just for them, like a cat tower, will help them feel more relaxed.
What does a cat do all day?
Cats spend more than half of their day sleeping. Even ancient Japanese documents contain the word "neko" (sleeping child), suggesting that cats sleep an average of 14 hours, with some even sleeping nearly 20 hours. Cats, naturally carnivorous and equipped with a hunting instinct, are said to conserve their energy for when a "target" appears. They eat when they feel like it, groom themselves, and then simply conserve their energy for emergencies... This may sound like they're just being lazy. However, dangle a toy like a cat teaser and they'll instantly turn angry and go into hunting mode. Even if your cat sleeps all the time, if you don't play with them every now and then, they'll end up overwhelmed and obese, so it's a good idea to play with them whenever they feel like it.
It can be difficult to keep them
While cats provide us with a relaxing time every day, they are living creatures, so caring for them can be quite difficult.
Reason 1: It's hard to understand the cause of stress
Cats often suddenly become unwell, suffering from gastroenteritis or loss of appetite. Because they are usually so moody, it's often difficult to know what's causing them stress. There are many reasons for this, such as "I'm tired from having to worry about unexpected guests" or "I've been vomiting hairballs repeatedly and I can't figure out why." If you notice anything unusual, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Reason 2: They may scratch their claws on walls or furniture.
When cats experience a strong shock, they will sharpen their claws to relieve stress. If there is no scratching post in a place that your cat likes, they may end up sharpening their claws all over the room, leaving your home covered in scratches. Make sure to place the scratching post in an appropriate location that suits your cat's living space.
Reason 3: Hair falls out easily
If you keep pets indoors, you'll inevitably have to worry about animal hair loss. It's not uncommon for long-haired pets to break your vacuum cleaner. In addition to cleaning frequently, be sure to brush your cat as often as possible. If you neglect to brush your cat, the excessive shedding of hair when grooming can cause it to vomit hairballs.
Summary: Have fun every day with your cat
The mere presence of a cat living a leisurely life alongside modern people who lead busy lives can soothe us. Although they are pets, cats are also important members of the family. If kept indoors, their lifespan is said to exceed 15 years. To be able to spend a long time with your cat, take care of it daily and maintain its health, and live a fun, "cat-full life"!
Cat goods and accessories
Neko Masshigura sells cat goods and accessories! Be sure to check it out!
