When it comes to choosing a cat, it might seem that any cat would do, but there’s one crucial piece of advice: avoid raising kittens if possible. It’s highly recommended to start with an adult cat, or at least a cat that is seven months old or older. The early stages of a kitten’s life demand a great deal of attention and care. There are numerous habits that you need to patiently instill in them from scratch.
Kittens are brimming with curiosity. They have an irresistible urge to step on and bite everything in sight. This excessive curiosity often exposes them to significant risks. For instance, take my cats. They love to nap in their cage. I once wished to let them roam freely around the house, but it turned out to be a challenging task. Cats, especially kittens, seem to have no sense of danger at times. They are fond of climbing to high places and then find themselves unable to get back down safely. Initially, I allowed them to be free during the day and return to their cages at night. However, one day, when I wasn’t paying close attention, one of my cats fell from a height, hit an object, and was unfortunately crushed. Tragically, it passed away and went to the Rainbow Bridge. The other cat was so frightened that it became stressed and couldn’t sleep. It took me a long time to comfort and care for it until it recovered.
Since then, whenever my cat is out of the cage during the day, I keep a watchful eye on it every second. I’m constantly on tenterhooks, fearing that another accident might occur. When there’s no one at home, I dare not let it out of the cage. But if I keep it confined, it meows pitifully, which can potentially lead to psychological problems. It’s truly a never – ending source of worry.
Raising kittens requires not only time and energy but also a great deal of patience. Every day is filled with concerns about their safety and well – being. You have to constantly be on the lookout for potential hazards in the house, such as small objects that they might swallow or sharp corners that they could hurt themselves on. Teaching them proper behavior, like not climbing on dangerous ledges or not scratching furniture, is a long – term process.
In addition to the physical safety risks, kittens also need a lot of emotional care. They are more sensitive than adult cats and can easily get stressed or scared. A simple change in the environment, like moving the furniture around, can cause them to become anxious. And when they are stressed, it can affect their health, leading to issues like loss of appetite or digestive problems.
To sum it up, while kittens are undeniably adorable, the challenges of raising them are substantial. For novice cat owners, the risks and difficulties associated with raising kittens can be overwhelming. It’s not that it’s impossible to raise a kitten successfully, but it requires a level of dedication and vigilance that many new owners might not be fully prepared for. So, I sincerely advise new cat owners to think twice before choosing a kitten. Consider adopting an older cat instead, which is generally more independent and less likely to get into dangerous situations. This way, both you and your feline friend can enjoy a more peaceful and worry – free companionship.
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