Although cats seem like independent animals, house cats also need good care to stay healthy. Caring for your own cat can be done in 2 ways, namely in a cage and without a cage.

Actually, these two methods require the same care, but it can be said that caring for a cage-free cat is better because cats prefer a freer place to play freely and prevent cats from getting too stressed like caged cats.

Below, we have a guide on how to care for a cage-free cat that you can follow to keep your cat in good health.

1. Get an annual checkup

Cats kept without cages, especially how to care for Angora kittens, really need an annual inspection because they roam outside the house more often. This test is highly recommended to detect the disease in cats before it gets worse. During the exam, you can also discuss the cat’s health or care with the vet. Also explain if there are several different things in cats like meowing, walking, eating and also the behavior of the cat.

During this annual inspection, the cat will also be given a vaccination and a stool test for fecal parasites, which is very important, especially if your cat often plays outside. If the cat is shown to have an internal disease or other illness, treatment will be given.

2. sterilize cats

Sterilization of cats by neutering is very good to help the nature of cats who like to wander and also urinate indiscriminately. This operation is also very well done to protect your cat from various diseases, including tumors and cancer. For female cats, this operation is also a way to reduce unwanted cat births. A doctor will likely recommend this castration surgery when he is 2 to 6 months old.

3. comb cat fur

Cats that are not kept in cages, of course, more often roam everywhere, so they should be cleaned regularly or known as brushing. If your cat has long hair, choose a pin brush to comb her fur. As for short-haired cats, you can use a flat brush to polish.

The smaller, triangular-shaped brush can also be used to comb parts of the cat’s body, such as the ears and face. Meanwhile, for long-haired cats, comb teeth that do not have dense teeth can be chosen, while for short-haired cats, dense teeth can be chosen.

As for kittens, you can use a small, soft comb. Brushing or combing the cat’s fur is also important to remove dead cat hair, clumps, clean fleas, how to get rid of cat fungus, cat skin bumps, and improve blood flow in the cat’s body. cat.

4. clean cat teeth

Not only do dogs need toothbrushes, but cats’ teeth need to be cleaned regularly too. Use a soft toothbrush and also a special cat toothpaste. Avoid using human toothpaste because it contains fluoride, which is toxic to cats. Let the cat taste the toothpaste to get used to it. The next morning, you can apply the toothpaste to your gums and upper teeth with your fingers. Do this the next day too but using a toothbrush. Apply the toothpaste in a circular motion from back to front.

Gently brush the cat’s teeth from the outside to the inside for about 30 seconds. Dental care is very important because many cat diseases are related to the teeth and gums if not treated properly. Bacteria and plaque can enter the cat’s bloodstream and cause a number of illnesses, including kidney, heart, mouth pain, difficulty eating, and tooth loss.

5. Provide a special place

Although cats are kept without cages, they also need a special place that is soft and comfortable and has privacy for the cat to relax and rest. Also add a soft pillow or blanket and wash it regularly to keep it clean.

6. Prepare the ground place

Unlike cats kept in cages, free-range cats should be kept clean every day because cats like clean toilets and prevent skin diseases in cats. Prepare a clean litter box so that the cat does not relieve itself elsewhere. If you have more than 1 cat, then prepare more litter bins than the number of cats that are kept in different areas so that the cats don’t fight.

7. Learn the types of cat food

For types of cat food, you can ask your doctor for more specific quality cat food. Follow the label instructions where the amount of cat food will be measured based on their weight, age and activity level. But in general, cats prefer to eat small but often. Do not give your cat human food unless directed by your veterinarian. Some human foods can make cats sick or even contain toxins.

Cats are carnivorous animals, so they need foods of animal origin that contain a large amount of essential amino acids or protein components so that their health can be properly maintained. Also, give the cat clean water and avoid giving milk because it is difficult for the cat to digest.

8. Give cat food regularly

To prevent the cat from looking for junk food, make sure to give him regular food every day, which is also a way to fatten up the cat.

• If the cat is not given dry food, try giving it 2-3 small treats in 1 day.
• If given canned food, throw away any food your cat hasn’t eaten after 30 minutes.
• Also add fruits and vegetables to taste, such as corn, broccoli, or melon that has been cooked, and avoid instant snack foods.
• Kittens from 6 to 12 weeks can be given food up to 4 times a day.

9. Let cats play with food

So that your cat does not go out too often and does not get bored, then let the cat play with its food. Store the cat food in a container and make a hole in the side of the container and let the cat play with the container to get the food. This is a great way to keep your cat active and reduce signs of cat stress.

10 Present with other pets

Allow your cat to play with other house cats to get used to the new cat smell by providing another cat litter cloth. Give the cats food in different containers so that they learn to relate the scents of other cats to each other.

eleven Cut nails regularly

Also trim the cat’s nails regularly 2 times a month to prevent cats from damaging your home furniture. Cats use their claws naturally, but for domestic cats it requires regular trimming.

12 Do sterilization and vaccination

In order for cats to stay healthy and free from diseases that can be dangerous, such as how to treat a lame cat, do not forget to give your cat several vaccinations. Cat vaccination is very important to prevent leukemia, rabies and also FIV. To find out what type of vaccine is needed, you can contact your veterinarian.

13 Close Meeting Trash

Cats that are not in cages will often explore everything in the house, so make sure all trash cans are tightly closed so cats don’t eat trash.

14 Prepare a place to scratch

In addition to trimming your cat’s nails, another alternative to caring for your cat’s nails is to provide a place for her to scratch or claw so that the nails stay dull and don’t hurt people or damage furniture. Provide a sturdy scratching pad made of a rough material like burlap or tree bark for the cat to scratch on.

fifteen. drink enough

In fact, cats are animals that evolved from their ancestors in the desert, so their level of thirst is not the same as that of dogs. However, cats should also be given enough drink that can be obtained from food.

From canned food, cats can get a water content of 78%, while for dry food, from 5 to 10%. If you feed your cat dry food, also provide clean, easily accessible water. Making sure the cat drinks is also the best way to deal with a dehydrated cat.

sixteen. Pay attention to the symptoms of cat disease

If your cat is sick, which is the cause of the cat not wanting to eat, take it to the vet immediately. There are several symptoms of a sick cat that usually occurs, such as:

• Eyes: A sick cat will discharge fluid, red eyes, squinting, cataracts, and often scratching.
• Ears: A sore cat’s ear will cause itching, discharge, and a bad odor.
• Breathing: The cat’s respiratory distress will be seen from the cat’s frequent sneezing accompanied by liquid, continuous coughing and difficulty breathing.
• Skin: There are bumps, lumps, swelling, sores, excessive itching, and skin that turns yellow.

17Invite the cats to play

So that the cat can keep moving while exercising, then invite him to play using toys such as fur, toy mice or paper balls, fishing rods and also a flashlight. Playing with cats is also very important for cats to feel cared for.

Caring for a cage-free cat isn’t really much different from using a cage. Things to keep in mind are to make sure the cat’s nails are kept short to be on the safe side and to make sure you provide regular food and vaccinations to prevent the cat from getting diseases.