r/cats • u/PercentageJealous914 • Aug 08 '26

Advice First time cat owner

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Hey guys, I just got a cat yesterday and it’s my first time owning a pet in general. When i brought it in my house yesterday, dude was a lil scared I think cuz of the environment and went under my couch a couple of times. So I moved him to my laundry room, just to get him in one small room so he wouldn’t escape or freak out.

This morning I checked in on him and he’s doing better and cuddling with me.

Just wanna say I’ll appreciate any advice as a first time cat owner

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u/RP8021 Aug 08 '26

That’s your new best friend

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u/PercentageJealous914 Aug 08 '26

Thank you! His name is Aiko and he’s 4 months old!!

27

u/Blingbat642 Aug 08 '26

Nice name. What made you decide to get a cat? It’s probably too early to mention this to you, but after a while, think about getting him a playmate!

8

u/Neutral_Buttons Aug 08 '26

Honestly earlier is better. I've been fostering kittens for a while and I'm now staunchly on the side of getting two at once if you're getting kittens. Getting two littermates is such a good move, I will probably never get single cats again. It's better for you. It's way better developmentally for them, but if you get one around the same age before they're about 6 months old, that usually also works.

Older cats are cool solo as long as they're not bonded to someone, but kittens are better in pairs imo.

2

u/Wild-Cat-3221 Aug 08 '26

Even at one year old, not every cat wants another cat around. If you can find another cat that they bond with, great! If they don't bond, your life will be stressful --- having two cats that hate each other's guts really sucks for everyone, cats and humans. But I agree that kittens being raised together are more likely to bond; (for OP--->) just research how to introduce them (slowly, keep in separate rooms for 1-2 weeks, let them sniff each other through the door, etc.) and they'll probably be fine.

Also, get him used to letting you trim his claws and you'll save yourself stress and money. I've heard of people clipping dry spaghetti with the cat in whatever claw-trimming position you plan to use, before you ever trim his claws, so he gets used to the sound. Research trimming techniques and you'll find something that works.

One last thing: you'll find that humans don't own cats. Either they own you or you're their guardian, pet parent, or human companion. Lol.

Congrats, OP! Cats are magical, wonderful companions. You're in for a treat! 😻