- Okay, here's some helpful advice
on welcoming a cat into your home.
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^Timid Kitty.
Here's a really important thing to understand
about your newest family member.
Many cats will initially be timid or shy,
and will likely hide when first brought home.
It doesn't mean your cat will be anti-social,
he just needs some time to adjust,
and feel comfortable in his new surroundings,
which may take several days.
You can help your cat during this adjustment period
by giving him a safe, quite room of his own,
so he isn't overwhelmed.
Spend some time in the room just sitting quietly,
while you watch TV or read.
When you think he's ready, try to tempt him out
with a toy or some food,
but let him proceed at his own pace.
Once your cat's comfortable,
you can gradually introduce him
to other areas in your home.
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^Night Owl.
Nighttime activity for cats is common.
Given the choice, a cat would prefer
to sleep during the day,
and then hunt and play at night.
Cats tend to be most active from middle to late evening
and will play well into the early hours of the morning.
To help him adjust to your schedule,
provide him with interactive toys,
and multiple play sessions during the day,
including one just before bedtime.
This should help tire him out
and get him used to your routine.
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^Drink Up.
Urinary tract diseases are common among cats.
They are especially dangerous and can be fatal
in male cats if not treated immediately.
One way to help avoid these diseases
is to be sure your cat drinks lots of water.
Drinking water can also help prevent kidney failure
in older cats, so put out plenty of water bowls,
and make sure you add fresh water every day.
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^Kitty Comforts.
Cats love to nap.
So provide a number of cozy sleeping areas
around your home.
Some cats like lots of cushioning,
while others prefer flat surfaces like cardboard.
This can even change depending on the time of day.
Experiment with your cat's bedding,
to find out what he prefers.
Also, many cats like a sunny spot to relax in.
Consider giving your cat a window ledge,
so he can snooze in the sun.
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^The Pickup Artist.
As simple as it may seem,
it's important to know the right technique
when picking up your cat.
Here's how you do it.
Place one hand on his chest just behind his front legs,
and use the other hand to scoop up his back end
and rear legs.
Keep in mind that cats don't like to feel trapped
or restrained, so picking him up correctly
is the best way to avoid either of you getting hurt.
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^Plant Smarts.
Cats will often chew on household plants
out of boredom, curiosity,
or because they're craving vegetation.
Many common plants can be toxic,
and some, like lilies, can even be fatal.
Other deadly plants include,
azalea, caladium,
castor bean, cyclamen,
dumb cane, English ivy,
mistletoe, oleander,
philondendron, sago palm,
tulips, and yew.
So be sure to decorate your home
with only feline-friendly plants,
and consider giving your cat
a safe plant to munch on,
such as a small container of oat grass, or wheat grass,
which you can find at your local pet supply store.
- Adopting a cat can be one of life's
most rewarding experiences,
but it also comes with new responsibilities.
It's possible that your newest family member
could be with you for a decade or more,
so it just makes good sense to take a few minutes now
to turn your home into a safe
and feline-friendly environment.
Remember, just like a child, your cat
is counting on you to keep him out of harm's way.
(upbeat music)