Cats, belonging to the feline family, are more widespread pets in households around the world.

Cat ownership is not only about meeting your cat's most basic needs, such as cat food and a clean litter tray, but also about ensuring your cat's health, providing a comfortable environment, and taking care of your cat's psychology.

Learn how to properly raise a cat. By meeting the above conditions, you are more likely to have well-adjusted, happy, and healthy cats.

The most important first step in getting a cat is how to bring it home.

It is important to bring the cat back in an appropriate pet-friendly box, not a cardboard box. If you are bringing an adult cat home from a friend's house, it is a good idea to ask for an item that the cat is familiar with. For example, the cat's usual litter box or toy, will feel safer and settle down in the new place faster.

After arriving home, let the new cat get familiar with its new environment, and do not let it be disturbed by other pets.

It is best not to let the children tease the new cat. Children need to be especially careful if they have never had a pet before.

Butter can be applied to the cat's paws. Felines love cleanliness, so by the time the cats lick the butter off the soles of their feet, they are probably already familiar with the new home.

How to feed a cat

1. Provide good quality cat food.

When raising a cat, providing nutritious cat food is of the utmost importance. Canned cat food and dry cat food are both fine as long as the cat food contains mainly animal protein and not a lot of adulterants.

While dry cat food tends to do a better job of keeping your cat's teeth clean, it can also dehydrate your cat because of its low thirst drive.

If you are not sure what to give your cat, then you need to discuss cat food with your cat's veterinarian. Your veterinarian will recommend cat food based on your cat's specific nutritional needs.

2. Provide age-appropriate cat food.

If it is a kitten, it should be provided with kitten food containing more fat and protein to meet the growing physical and mental needs of the cat.

As the cat ages, it should be provided with full-nutrition cat food, but not fed too much to avoid being overweight. When the cat becomes older, it may be necessary to switch to senior cat food to provide the nutrition required by older cats.

Do not change cat food suddenly. You need to gradually change from one type of cat food to another.

3. Frequency of feeding cats

Feed your cat two to three times a day. The amount of cat food depends on the size of your cat. Check the cat food package and follow the instructions on the package for the amount of food per meal, usually based on the size and age of the cat. Cats that eat too quickly should eat smaller and more frequent meals.

Discuss the meal size and feeding schedule with your veterinarian. The veterinarian will make recommendations based on the cat's specific dietary needs to keep the cat at the proper weight.

If you notice rapid weight gain in your cat, consult your veterinarian. Overweight cats can lead to serious complications, including diabetes and joint pain.

Finally, treat your cat as if it were your own child, pampering and accompanying it.