Becoming a first-time owner can be a rather fulfilling experience. If you are like me and you have lived by yourself for a very long time, a pet can definitely change your life and make it better, and cats, especially, are very good for the kind of people that works at home and enjoys the company of an animal that can be by itself but can also share a lot of love and attention.
Now, for those who are not knowledgeable about the art of owning a cat, there are indeed some things you will have to pay attention to if you want to be a good owner. From the necessary amenities a cat needs to being capable of bathing and grooming it when needed, there are many things you will have to understand before actually adopting a cat.
Especially if you are considering adopting a Munchkin, which is a very particular type of cat that might need some special attention and considerations.
If you consider yourself a first-time cat owner, this article is definitely for you. With that said, let’s jump right into the first thing you have to deal with, and that is buying the supplies.
Basic Tips
Owning a cat requires specific amenities and supplies, like the ones shown at https://pethelpful.com/cats/Cat-Ownership-The-Basics. Some of the most basic supplies you should own, include things like:
- A litter box and litter
- Food and water bowls
- Dry and wet food
- Toys and cat furniture
- A harness and a collar
- Especial bathing supplies and grooming tools
You should pay close attention to your cat’s diet, and change it based on whether it is at a healthy weight or not. Usually, you will feed them dry food and, every now and then, feed them wet food. This is because too much wet food can actually be harmful to them, while dry food keeps their teeth healthy, and is considerably cheaper. With that said, make sure to pick a brand of good quality!
Now, toys and cat furniture make it easier for your cat to be in good shape, and if you get a scratching post, you won’t have to worry about their claws.
If you can, try to teach your cat the good side of bathing, and make sure to pick the right supplies for your cat. Some cats have sensitive skins, others do not, and is your job to know which one is best suited for your pet.
The Munchkin breed tends to have long or short coats, so this can influence the type of supply you should get. If you have too many doubts, doing some research goes a long way.
Now, let’s talk about another aspect of owning a cat: attention.
Cats and Attention
Cats are commonly regarded as very independent animals. They are capable of handling various of their needs by themselves, from grooming to doing their necessities. That is why, most of the time, you won’t have to worry about grooming them, bathing them, or cleaning messes.
With that said, they do require a certain level of attention, especially when we talk about Munchkins. Munchkins are often considered highly social animals that require attention and love on a regular basis, and if you are someone who barely stays at home, you might want to think things twice before considering adoption.
Something You Can Do
As mentioned over here, one of the many pieces of advice when it comes to adopting a cat is considering adopting two instead of one. This can help both pets deal with loneliness and anxiety, and also, provides them with a chance to exercise, relief stress, and share toys and common areas.
Munchkins are very sociable, and although brave, they dislike conflict, so they might get along with other animals such as dogs. If you own a dog, you might be able to leave your house for some time.
Ideally, though, you should be around them to make sure that they are eating properly and behaving correctly. If you do, training them and teaching them what’s right and what’s wrong will be much easier.
Some cats might dislike children, but Munchkins tend to be ok around them, since they are very sweet animals that can create bonds with anything and anyone, so you won’t have to worry about it. In fact, if you have family members that can be around in your place, you won’t have to worry about your cat dealing with separation anxiety or stress.
Consider the Cats Personality
Another thing to have in mind is that breeds tend to influence some of the personality traits of a cat as well as some of its needs. Considering the personality of a pet and some of its needs before you adopt them is a very wise thing to do.
Munchkins are, as mentioned earlier, very sociable cats. This means that they will look for you when you feel lonely, and might even enjoy resting in your lap or being around you, so if you dislike the idea of having a cat close by, a Munchkin might not be for you. On the other hand, if you are absolutely mesmerized by the idea of having a very cute and small cat around, Munchkins are definitely for you.
Physical Traits
Now, the physical traits of a cat can also influence your coexistence with them. Some cats require a lot of exercise, outdoor activities, and a very balanced diet, while others might not require as much exercise, and don’t need to have a highly sophisticated diet. Usually, this is decided by the cat’s breed. Breeds are frequently placed in two categories: Outdoors and indoors.
Outdoors cats are high-energy animals that enjoy being outside and might become stressed and chaotic inside of a house. Indoor cats enjoy the comfort of a house but might struggle with outdoor activities. One of the Munchkin cat breeds characteristics is that, although they are very curious and enjoy exploring, they are actually indoor cats.
This is because they are midget cats. They are very small and short-legged, and they might struggle with moving around. This doesn’t mean that they won’t try, which is the reason why you might want to create some platforms, bridges, and places for your Munchkin to jump around your house.
