Rules for keeping cats in Russia

Laws governing pet ownership

Every owner who gets a pet is immediately responsible for it; if his animal harms or interferes with someone, according to federal laws, the owner is obliged to pay a fine.

Responsibility for breaking laws

Each owner is responsible for his animal and its maintenance, so before purchasing it is important to create all veterinary and sanitary conditions.

Before getting a pet, ask your neighbors for permission or at least warn them.

They cannot be kept in public places, for example, in stairwells or attics, and they cannot be carried for a long time on public transport.

The owner bears full responsibility for damage to neighbors' property or for excessive noise from his pet.

Owners are prohibited from:

• throw pets outside;
• put to sleep without reason;
• have a large number of pets in the apartment.

Count the number of cats in the room

Sanitary standards

Just like for people, cats must also comply with sanitary standards, which will guarantee him quality nutrition, health and the space in which he will live.

1. The premises should have enough space for both residents and pets.
2. Cannot be kept in a dormitory, only in apartment-type dormitories.
3. You must register and provide an identification number.
4. Should be vaccinated regularly.
5. Provide your pet with water and food daily.
6. It is worth showing your animal to veterinarians regularly.

What care is needed

Despite the fact that cats are very clean and lick themselves, you still need to regularly care for their fur (wash, comb), and also take care of the animal’s hygiene.

Pet hygiene

Hygiene procedures are the most important condition for maintaining the health of a pet, but they will not require much time from the owner. You don't need to bathe cats often. This procedure is usually carried out in two cases: in case of severe contamination and before an exhibition. It is enough to wash a domestic cat 1-2 times a month with a cat shampoo suitable for its coat type. For long coats, it is recommended to use conditioner to make combing easier.

Unlike dogs, cats are not very fond of water, and some of them refuse to bathe at all. In this case, you can use dry shampoo, which is sold at any pet store. However, if you teach your kitten to bathe gently, problems will not arise. Make sure that the water temperature is comfortable for your pet, do not turn on the shower in front of him (the noise of the water scares cats), pour water up to chest level, and make sure that water does not get into the ears - this is the basic rule for successful bathing.

Keeping a domestic cat also involves caring for the ears, eyes, teeth and claws. The ears should be examined at least once a week, and the inside should be cleaned with cotton swabs dipped in a special solution. This must be done very carefully, as cats do not like this procedure and will break out, which can lead to injury.

Pets usually cope with eye cleaning themselves, since a healthy animal has no or insignificant discharge. If there are still accumulations in the corners of the eyes, simply soak a cotton pad in chamomile infusion and wipe your pet’s eyes. Excessive dark discharge, as well as redness of the eyes, require consultation with a veterinarian.

Animals that eat soft natural food should have their teeth brushed using cat toothpaste. This procedure requires skill and patience. By the way, stores sell special food for cleaning animals’ teeth.

And another important procedure is cutting nails. If there is no scratching post, the owner has to trim the pet’s claws himself, using special tongs or scissors. This must be done extremely carefully, since the risk of damage to the pulp is too high. Claw trimming is carried out approximately 2 times a month.

Walks

It is believed that walks are not necessary for domestic cats, since they do not need it. But nevertheless, many owners try not to keep their pets in confinement and walk them outside. To make your walk successful, follow these recommendations:

• take only a healthy and vaccinated cat outside;
• use a leash for walks;
• Be sure to wear a parasite collar for your cat;
• After a walk, wash your paws thoroughly.

You should not walk in cold weather, as cats are highly susceptible to colds.

Purchase from a nursery

You have decided to buy a cat, then buy it at a nursery, so you will definitely buy a purebred animal, with all the accompanying papers and vaccinations.

Thanks to proper breeding, the animal will be healthy, and the owner will get the pet he dreamed of.

In accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation, when purchasing, draw up a purchase and sale agreement so that each party can guarantee its good faith.

Large cattery

Sleeping place for a cat

To ensure comfort, purchase a sleeping place, since the animal spends most of the day sleeping.

The main thing is that the place is soft and warm, then the pet will spend more time there, as it will be comfortable.

You can buy a hammock that is attached to a radiator or a house.

After the sleeping place has already been purchased, there is no need to force the animal to sit down, give it time to get used to it and sniff it. To show interest, you can put a little mint inside.

Favorite place

Cat toilet

Today there are many options for toilets, they differ in versatility, design and cost, the main thing when choosing this accessory is to take into account individuality and comfort.

When purchasing, you need to pay attention to:

• material;
• size, shape and depth;
• ease of cleaning;
• attractiveness;
• price;
• design.

Be sure to take the rules into account.

1. The tray should be made of lightweight plastic, but it should also be stable.
2. The entire surface should be smooth so that defects do not injure the paws.
3. The size should suit the size of the cat, it should fit in it and turn easily and quickly.

Types of toilets

1. A flat plastic tray with low sides.
2. Flat tray with a grid inside.
3. Tray with high sides.
4. Tray with replaceable bags.
5. Tray house.
6. Dry toilet with carbon cartridge.
7. Model Clean Paws.”
8. Self-sifting tray.
9. Automated toilet

You need to buy a litter box for the convenience of the cat, but the choice should come from the financial capabilities of the owner; read more about choosing a toilet here.

Caring for health and beauty

In order for a cat to be active and healthy, it is necessary to constantly care for it, feed it with quality food and constantly devote time to it.

Appearance of a cat

Even if she has short hair, she needs to be brushed, this will help reduce the amount of hair in the room and also reduce the possibility of vomiting in balls.

Long-haired dogs need to be brushed less than twice a week, while short-haired dogs can be brushed once every 7 days.

Long-haired dogs are usually combed with a special comb, all of which have thin teeth and are made of durable metal, thanks to which more hair can be removed.

Teeth

Often, pets develop dental diseases; in order to reduce the possibility of caries and other diseases, it is necessary to constantly brush the animal’s teeth.

To do this, buy a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste, especially for animal teeth; you cannot use toothpaste that is designed for humans, as the cat may be poisoned.

Eyes

Cats take care of themselves, but they also need help; wipe their eyes and nose with a cotton pad every day; if discharge appears, take them to the veterinarian.

Claws

To prevent the cat from damaging the furniture and to make it comfortable for him to move around, it is necessary to trim his claws every two weeks.

When trimming, it is important to ensure that no blood vessels are touched; if an injury is accidentally caused, the wound should be treated.

Hygiene

Bathing is a pet's least favorite activity, so if they are clean, they should not be forced into a bath. Only if you are going to take him to an exhibition or he cannot take care of himself due to his advanced age, you can bathe him.

Clean your ears, but only if plugs appear or mites appear in your ears. In other cases, this manipulation should not be carried out.

State of mind

In order for a cat to be cheerful and playful and to treat the family well, it is necessary to constantly play with it. Then, when the owner appears, the pet will be glad to see him and will try in every possible way to show that she is comfortable spending time with him, playing toys or other games.

Cats on favorite shelves

The cat's attachment to its owner

Each cat is individual, some love to be petted, while others live separately, so expecting him to show his affection is sometimes stupid.

Often they choose one owner in the family and completely obey him, but they do not approach other family members, and in some cases they will not even approach food if it was not the owner who put it there.

What is the best way to feed a domestic cat?

In order for the animal to be healthy and feel great at home, you need to provide it with a balanced diet containing all the necessary minerals and vitamins.

The main part of the diet should consist of meat (or offal). It is also extremely important to include vegetables and cereals in the menu. Give fish, raw meat and boiled eggs no more than once a week. In this case, the fish must be well cooked. Also, don't forget about dairy products, which are a source of nutritious protein.

You can make your life easier if you introduce your baby to dry food, which is already perfectly balanced. The main thing here is to choose the right manufacturer. Cheap options that are widely advertised can cause significant harm to your pet. If you want your cat to have the best, focus on super premium or premium food.

Nutrition rules

Feed her high-quality, balanced food that will keep her full and active. To diversify the diet, you can alternate between dry and wet food.

Completely avoid these foods:

• milk;
• fish;
• other food that the owner eats.

The most important thing is to constantly change the water in the bowl; it is better for the cat to drink filtered water.

It is strictly forbidden to mix dry and wet food of the same or different brands; this can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Walks

It is better to accustom your pet to walks outside from 6 months. But first, get him used to the collar. For the convenience and safety of the animal, it is better to buy a special harness that will secure the cat without causing inconvenience.

On the street, watch where he goes, what he eats, if he asks to go home, put him in a carrier or take him indoors.

Walking around the apartment is enough for cats; if they don’t want to go outside, there’s no need to force them.

Keeping a cat in an apartment.

Caring for an elderly cat, read HERE.

For the most part, people communicate dynamically in society. We go to work, to the store, and relax. Someone goes to the country, someone to the sea or on vacation abroad. We meet other people, communicate with them. Sometimes it may not be pleasant communication, but it is not monotony. Cats kept not in an apartment, but in private houses, in the village and whose cats are allowed outside, also lead a rich and varied life. They encounter dangers and adventures, hunt, fight, look for a partner, and so on. They may have a more dangerous life than cats who are not allowed out of the house, but it is more eventful and varied. Of course, by their nature, cats are sprinters, capable of fast, powerful, but short throws. And so they rest for most of the day, observing their surroundings. But she needs four or five hours for active actions, hunting, playing, interacting with other cats and animals. And what about cats kept in an apartment? What do they see? The cat ate, slept, ate again, went to the toilet, slept, met its owner from work, ate, and so on. That's her whole day. The only entertainment is to look out the window or watch the owners from a comfortable place. But mostly at home we also behave monotonously, for a cat. So the animal has to sleep longer. But she needs hunting, movement, struggle for territory and new achievements. A cat is naturally very curious and needs new discoveries. And if your pet is also a naturally dynamic, energetic and active fidget. This lifestyle will depress him; he needs space, movement and entertainment. A monotonous and measured lifestyle will irritate him and therefore he may begin to be mischievous and hooligan. He's just bored. The area of ​​the apartment is quite small to be of interest to the cat. And if there are no children in the house to play with, and the owners have gone to work, what should the animal do?

A mountain of toys bought at a pet store and piled up won't keep your pet entertained for long. They do not move, and cats do not hunt dead animals in nature. Therefore, it is worth coming up with entertainment for her that is close to natural, stimulating her activity. Allow the animal to behave naturally in an artificial environment. To encourage her ability to climb trees, cover the board with old carpet and attach it diagonally to the closet. This is not only an opportunity for the cat to crawl along the top of the cabinets and watch from there, but also an excellent scratching post. From cardboard boxes you can create a maze or “cat tree” that is quite interesting for a cat. You can also put dry food in the secluded corners of the apartment, let the pet work hard to get the treat. In nature, “food” needs to be hunted down, so let the cat kept in the apartment also hunt, this will give her pleasure. Show your imagination! There are examples of how to make toys for a cat in a separate article and in the video here.

There are several simple rules for keeping cats in city apartments:

Take a kitten or an adult cat that previously lived in an apartment. It is almost impossible to accustom a kitten, and even more so an adult cat, accustomed to freedom, to its limitations in space.

Familiarize yourself with the cat breeds, choose a breed that has proven to be a homebody.

The cat should always have water and free access to it. And it is better that the bowls with water are placed in several places.

The food should not be too high in calories. If a cat does not go outside, it can quickly gain weight.

To protect furniture from cat claws, you need to make a scratching post. Secure it so that the cat can sharpen its claws while standing at full height.

It is good that the cat has grass, which is necessary to improve digestion. This grass is sold in pet stores. You can simply sprout oats. Cats enjoy nibbling on green sprouts.

Be careful with house flowers, some of them are poisonous. It is not uncommon for cats, and especially kittens, to die after trying such plants.

Remember about the cat's safety, especially in the kitchen where there are a lot of household appliances. Some cats, like dogs, can chew electrical wires.

Two cats cannot always get along together. And if they don’t get along in character, then you’ll have to keep them in two different rooms, in turns, in equal portions, giving them your attention. It is clear that this will be difficult to do in a one-room apartment.

The cat needs fresh air, so you will often have to open a window or window for the cat to sit on. You can install a special mesh screen for safety and against mosquitoes.

Try to look at life through the eyes of your cat to understand what she needs to live comfortably in an apartment. Cats have a remarkable ability to adapt, which is why they are so popular along with dogs among pets. But it still happens that a pet, out of boredom and the monotony of its contents, can become fixated on a minor problem that is not worth anything under normal circumstances. And in such a situation, the problem develops into a constant source of stress. For example, if you have two cats, then one of them may delve into the problem of competition and dominance. Many deviations from normal cat behavior occur only in cats kept in apartments and enclosed spaces. The cat simply cannot leave, hide, or run away from the problem, since its relatives are on the street.

Advice from veterinarians.

Caring for an elderly cat, read HERE.

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Difficulties of maintenance

Animals love to sharpen their claws, so they mercilessly damage furniture just because they want to sharpen their overgrown claws.

To prevent property damage, buy a nail sharpener.

Leave marks

To make the unpleasant smell from the marks disappear, during the process, go up to the pet, take him by the withers and start growling at him; if he starts waving his paws, gently hit them to show who is the boss in the family.

Afterwards, spray the mark with perfume to show that the territory is yours.

Don't go to the litter box

A cat may refuse to use the litter box if it is not comfortable there or if it does not like the filler.

Adviсe:

• rearrange the tray until you find a comfortable place;
• you need to choose the right size;
• The tray should always be clean.

By following these simple rules, you can train your animal to use the litter box.

How to help a kitten adapt to a new home

Caring for a cat requires a responsible approach

It is important to understand that once a cat appears in the house, you will have to devote a lot of time to raising it. The quality of life of the new family member will depend on the living conditions and nutrition created.

Cat is a pet

The optimal age for a kitten to be brought home is 3 months. A newly born cat still urgently needs mother's milk and care.

For your information! Adult animals are difficult to re-educate. Difficulties may arise in the process of adapting a cat to a new place of residence.

The first time a kitten is in a new home is a stressful period for both the animal and its owner. It is worth taking a responsible approach to solving the issue of animal adaptation and showing patience. As soon as the adaptation period is over, life together will become interesting and comfortable for both parties.

Cat carrier

It is forbidden to suddenly grab a kitten or frighten it with body movements, loud music or screams. If there is a child in the family, parents should explain to him the rules for handling a pet. You should not try to show the animal to every family member and introduce him to the outside world.

Having brought the kitten home, the owner should carefully open the carrier and release it without making loud noises so that it can explore its new home on its own. The new resident will need time to get used to the new territory. At first, the kitten may look for a place to hide. You need to react to this calmly, without trying to pull him out of a secluded corner. The quieter the owner's reaction, the better for the animal.

Note! Before arriving, you should make sure how safe the place is for your cat. It is recommended to hide electrical wires, close windows, temporarily remove sharp objects, and limit access to tall furniture

If other representatives of the animal world already live in the house, the kitten’s acquaintance with them should be gradual. They should not be allowed to see the baby on the first day of arrival. Pets must get used to the presence of a new “guest”. If adult cats or dogs living in the house react negatively to a kitten, this is considered a normal situation that will be resolved as soon as the animals get used to each other.

Veterinarian advice

1. Sterilize animals, then they live longer.
2. It is better to feed with special balanced food, then problems with the gastrointestinal tract are less likely to occur.
3. Regularly undergo preventive examinations by veterinarians, for young and old - twice a year, for adults once is enough.

Conditions for keeping cats in an apartment can be created quickly; the main thing is to learn the rules and be prepared for surprises that the animal may present in the first days of living with you.

Content problems and methods for solving them

Problems with keeping cats are not particularly varied. As usual, they are similar for all lovers of tailed animals. These are problems with the toilet, smell and tattered furniture. So why do cats shit in the apartment?

There can be many reasons. Let's pay attention to some of them. So, the cat litter box should be located in a secluded, quiet (not a walk-through) place accessible to the cat. After the cat “does its business,” it needs to be put in order. If you have a tray in the form of a regular bath with filler, you need to use a spatula specially designed for this and remove the lumps that have formed.

Or, if it is a tray with a removable grid (without filler), then it should be washed.

Cats are very clean animals and need a clean toilet. They simply won’t want to go into dirty ones. And thus, the problem of unpleasant odor will be solved for you. Indeed, today you can find on sale a special absorbent filler with a fragrance, which not only absorbs odors, but also emits a pleasant aroma itself.

It is necessary to accustom a kitten to the litter tray immediately after it arrives in the house. To do this, you can take a cloth from the breeder moistened with his secretions and place it in the place where you plan to organize the cat's litter box. If the child “missed the mark” and went to the wrong place, you need to show him this and explain in a stern voice that this cannot be done. And then take him to the litter box and praise him if he defecates there. The place where the kitten has pooped must be thoroughly washed with some kind of detergent (preferably with bleach or vinegar) and sprayed with a special anti-gad product, sold in pet stores. By the way, there you can also buy a “shit here” product for the toilet and a preparation for treating walls against stripping them with cat claws.

A scratching post should be attached to the cat's favorite place for scratching. Nowadays, pet stores even sell scratching posts that even the most picky cats dream of sharpening their claws on, since they are specially treated with a special composition that attracts cats.

Thus, you can not only ensure the full maintenance of cats in the apartment and eliminate unpleasant consequences for the owners of sharing with them, but also get the great joy of communicating with these wonderful pets.