CoolKittyCondos

Best Bets for Balancing a New Pet and a New Business 

Whether you’re working from a home or business office, having some non-human companionship like a cat can be an enjoyable stress reliever. If you’ve opted to welcome a new pet at the same time you launch your business, you may have some juggling to do to ensure both pet and venture get the time and attention they need. A bit of advanced planning can help ensure a positive experience for all, as can pampering your new fur baby with toys and accessories from Cool Kitty Condos. 

Prepare Home and Office

Cats, in particular, are creatures of habit, so if you plan to have them with you at home and in the office, you’ll want to create familiar environments and routines. For example, cats may “mark” territory that feels unfamiliar, so keep identical litter boxes in your home and workspaces, along with identical bedding, toys, and scratching/climbing apparatuses. You’ll also want to pet-proof your home, as well as introduce transportation early on, particularly if you’re using a cat carrier. Some cats are averse to riding in cars and can get motion sick, so consult with your vet if this causes stress for your feline.

Create Routines

According to the Way of Cats, kitties can learn to thrive on routines, particularly as they relate to feeding, litter scooping, and sleeping times. Whatever routine you establish for your business, ensure you’re taking your pet’s needs into consideration. You may otherwise have a cat that’s crying for a meal during a phone conference. Pencil in time for play and personal attention, and use feather dancers and laser pointers to entertain your kitty and provide some exercise. Just like a child running off energy, giving your cat some heavy playtime in advance of a call, meeting, or deadline will tire them out and give you uninterrupted work time. Use caution that you don’t point a laser in your cat’s eyes.  

Arrange for “Cat Care”

Although cats are more solitary than dogs and can do well for long periods on their own, you may want to hire a pet sitter, utilize a pet daycare center, or install a video monitor to keep a remote eye on your kitty. You can also utilize apps and gadgets to make your pet care routine easier. For example, you can purchase remote-controlled treat dispensers and self-scooping litter boxes. You can also download apps that provide first aid tips for cats, as well as track feeding, vaccinations, and growth and development. While it’s advisable that all cats be indoor-only, it might be worthwhile to use an app-associated tracking device on your cat’s collar that can help you pinpoint their location if they wander off. The American Red Cross offers a free app for just this purpose.

Hire Help

Even the most organized and time-conscious entrepreneur can’t juggle every single task that comes their way. Reduce stress and free up time for personal pursuits by hiring out services where appropriate. Some business functions are easy to hand off to professionals, like web design help, mobile app development, or graphic design. Hiring a virtual assistant can also help you manage your schedule and handle administrative tasks. Online job boards allow you to post jobs for freelancers and get quickly connected with reliable and capable candidates. Always read reviews and ask about cost and turnaround time before hiring anyone.

Welcoming a new pet into your home at the same time you launch your business is a good way to ensure you’re creating a healthy balance between your personal life and your work. Some pre-planning and patience will go a long way to ensuring success on both fronts. Don’t forget to show your cat some love with high-quality beds, climbing, and scratching trees by shopping for pet care essentials at Cool Kitty Condos.

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How to Be a Great First-Time Cat Owner

In every community, there are countless cats who need a loving home. That’s why, if you’re wanting a cat, adoption is a great way to go. However, with the love and companionship that is added to your life when you bring home a feline comes responsibilities. You will likely need to make adjustments to your lifestyle to accommodate these responsibilities and provide your cat with a happy, healthy life.

If you are thinking about adopting a cat or have just signed the papers, here are some tips to guide you as a first-time cat owner:

Pet-proof your home.

First things first: pet-proof your home! You might be surprised by how many things your cat can get into, many of which can be harmful. Be conscious of locking away all medications and cleaning products. Also, keep electronic devices and cords out of reach. And try to keep your cat from eating foods (e.g., chocolate, raisins, dairy products) and plants (e.g., aloe, pothos, lilies) that can cause health problems or even death.

Go to the vet.

One of the first things you should do after adopting a cat is to take them to a veterinarian. If you got the cat from a shelter or nonprofit, they may have already had their vet duties taken care of, so it’s important to ask about that. The vet will examine your feline and take any necessary steps to ensure their health, whether it’s spaying or neutering, administering vaccines, or administering parasite control. Aim to take your cat to the vet once a year.

Use high-quality food and treats.

The food your cat eats can make a significant difference in their health. If possible, opt for quality food that is high in protein and low in fillers like wheat and corn. Also, purchase high-quality snacks and treats. For example, a lot of CBD treats taste good and are also very healthy for felines. However, you may want to research the high grade CBD cat treats on the market before making a purchase.

Use the litter box correctly. 

When it comes to the litter box, it matters where you put it. Keep your cat’s litter box in a quiet, private place, and your cat will be more likely to use it each time they need to urinate. Also, use high-quality, fragrance-free cat litter, and be sure to change it out regularly.

Prioritize play time.

Cats can typically entertain themselves pretty well, at least more so than dogs. But that doesn’t mean that cats don’t like to play with their owners. Research some of the DIY cat toys out there, and make sure your feline companion always has a few good ones to play with. And set aside time each day to spend playing with your cat.

If you really want to spoil your cat and give them an awesome place to play, you can invest in a Cool Kitty Condo. In addition to cozy condos and houses, Cool Kitty Condo has a great selection of beds that will give your feline a nice, comfortable place to play!

Get the necessary equipment.

No, you probably won’t walk your cat with a leash very often (or ever). However, it’s still a good idea to get a collar with a tag on it, especially in the early stages when your feline is getting used to their new environment. That way, people will know who to contact in case your kitty goes missing. And for taking trips, be sure to invest in a cat carrier, which is really the only safe option for traveling with your cat.

When adopting a cat, it’s important to prepare and be conscious of how you can best care for their health and well-being. Remember to pet-proof your home and take your cat to the vet first thing. Also, invest in the best food and treats possible, keep their litter box private and the litter fresh, and invest in good toys and equipment. Most importantly, be sure to shower your cat with lots of love and help them acclimate to their new environment.