Tristan Andrews asked:


These days, cats are among the most popular pet you can own. There are several breeds available, with the most popular being Persian and Siamese. Cats are a domesticated animal, with origins dating back some 8,000 years and beyond. Like any other pet that you may own, including dogs, cats cost money to take care of properly.

When you get a cat, you’ll need to think about the costs. You’ll obviously need food, and you’ll also need to plan ahead for vet costs. You’ll also need litter, which can tend to get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a litter box, food dish, and water dish. You should also invest in some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, a pet carrier, and a bed. You should also look into getting an ID collar as well, just in case your cat ever gets lost.

Feeding your pet will depend a great deal on his age. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks. Cats that are between three and six months of age need to be fed three times a day. Canned food can be fed to cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes need to be disposed of. Canned food can get expensive fast, and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats loved canned food, although it doesn’t have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does.

As an alternative plan, you can always leave a supply of dry food out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on your cat’s teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits, and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your pet needs.

If you own a kitten, you should only give you kitten food designed for him. You’ll also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. Even though kittens and adult cats like cow’s milk, you should avoid giving it to them as it can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasion, although too many of them can cause your pet to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it in with his cat food.

By themselves, cats stay fairly clean. Although you don’t have to bathe them that often, you’ll need to give them a brushing at least once a day. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and keep your cat’s coat nice and clean. If you are keeping your cat indoors, you’ll need to have a litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access. You should always scoop it on a daily basis, and clean it out once a week. Cats don’t like to use dirty litter boxes, they prefer for it to be nice and clean.

Although cats do require some work, they are great pets that will provide you with years and years of companionship. As long as you take care of your cat and take him to the vet for his checkups, he should remain healthy. Even though cats can get sick from time to time – knowing how to care for him will make a world of difference.

Karen Corey asked:

Cats make wonderful companions, however they can be somewhat of a mystery. Knowing and understanding your feline companions is the way to keep them happy. Even though cats have the reputation for being independent and aloof, they actually thrive on affection.

If you are getting a cat or kitten for the first time you might want to make sure that no one in your family is allergic to cats. You should take your family to a rescue centre or have them play with a friend’s cat to see if they show any signs of an allergic reaction. Some symptoms to look for are; eye irritations, sneezing, and watery eyes. This way you will know beforehand instead of after you bring home the new cat or kitten and have become attached to them.

When it comes to the nutritional requirements of cats they are clearly different from dogs. Cats are strict carnivores and have to eat meat to remain healthy. Cats need protein in their daily diet to provide amino acids which turn into protein. Proteins are required for tissue growth and repair and to help with metabolism.

Fat and oils contain fatty acids which perform several functions and are a form of energy. If your cat’s diet is lacking fatty acids it could result in a dry coat and dandruff.

Vitamins and minerals are also important to a cat’s diet. There are 4 vitamins and 2 minerals that your cat needs to live a long healthy life. Vitamin A helps stimulate growth in kittens and renewal in adult cats, Vitamin B is important for growth, the nervous system and for the heart. Vitamin D helps in bone development and Vitamin E is for shiny coats. Water is the most important element in a cat’s diet. It transports nutrients, vital to temperature regulation, and essential for digestion. Most active cats will drink around 85ml of water daily.

To make sure your cat stays in good health you need to pay attention to them and notice any changes in their behaviour. At least once a week you should do a “check-up” on your cat. This can be done just by holding and petting your cat while you look for signs of fleas, skin problems, ear mites or for overly long claws. Some signs to watch for are; if their coats start looking rough instead of sleek and shiny and they stop grooming themselves properly. If you notice any of these signs you should take your pet into the vet for a check-up.

Depending on the breed of cat you have will determine how much grooming you will have to do. If you have a long-haired cat, such a Persian they need daily brushing and combing. If you have a short hair they can be groomed occasionally. Most cats will try to keep themselves groomed.

Another thing to remember is to have an out of the way place for their litter box. It is important to make sure you clean it often, especially if you have a multi-cat home. Cats are easy animals to care for. They like to play so make sure you have plenty of things for them to chase and bat around. If you have an inside cat make sure you also provide them with a scratching post of some sort. This way they won’t be using the furniture for that purpose. Cats make great companions and if kept healthy and happy they will give you enjoyment and comfort for a long time.

To protect your feline companions you might want to consider buying pet insurance for your cats. Not only will this give you peace of mind; it will help you to afford expensive medical costs if your pet becomes ill or has an accident. Cat insurance can help ease the strain on your budget if you were faced with high veterinary bills.

Martin Marks asked:

Cats need a high-protein diet, rich in fats. They normally eat small meals all through the day. Cats maintain their body weight by sticking to the diet they take in. To keep cats healthy, owners have to ensure that the foods they give to their cats are rich in minerals, protein and vitamins.

In addition, the diet needs to be limited. Increasing the food intake for cats may invite serious health problems.

Necessary Nutrients:

Cat owners need to check, if their pet food offers the following nutrients:

1. Pet food has to contain vital nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. One vital nutrient is Vitamin A and vitamin E, which helps to build resistance against a variety of diseases.

2. Animal protein from poultry, meat, egg sources and fish helps to keep bones sturdy and strong.

3. The diet needs to have accurate balance of fatty acids that nurture the skin and coat health.

4. Taurine, an amino acid, extracted from meat sources such as fish and chicken. This helps in keeping the eyes healthy and preventing heart diseases. Taurine supports fetal growth, development and reproduction in cats.

5. Next, a fiber source such as beet pulp, which maintains the digestive system of cats, is also a necessary nutrient.

Special Dietary Needs for Pregnant or lactating cats:

Pet owners have to take enough care of their pregnant cats. Increase their intake by 50 per cent than their current diets. The owner may give kitten food as a nutritional support to cats at the time of conception.

After the mother cat gives birth to young kittens, gradually increase the intake to 75 per cent. Maintain this diet until the kittens get used to eating canned or dry food. The moment kittens begin eating substitute food, incorporate the normal food again so that the mother cat keeps away from any weight gain.

Avoid Obesity:

Generally, indoor cats do not get the opportunity to exercise as compared to outdoor cats. Due to this, indoor cats fall prey to obesity. To avoid this, pet owners have to allow their cats to exercise in open the way they wish.

Preventing Cats from Developing Hairballs:

Cats take their own time to arrange themselves neatly. They constantly lick their fur and in the process, sometimes swallow hair. If the hairball fails to pass into the intestines, the cat may land in trouble. It may try to eject the hairball. To avoid this, pet owners have to make sure that they supply a nutritional diet to their cats.

What Every Cat Needs:

No matter what food they get to eat, owners need to make available plenty of water for their cats, always. It is advisable to place water at a distance three to five feet from the food.

This prevents the cat from swallowing water hastily. Cats demand comfortable place to eat and prefer to stay away from people around them. Last of all, the cat owners need to take their cats to the veterinarian at regular intervals. This will help in keeping pet cats healthy and happy.

June Sabe asked:


These days, cats are among the most popular pet you can own. There are several breeds available, with the most popular being Persian and Siamese. Cats are a domesticated animal, with origins dating back some 8,000 years and beyond. Like any other pet that you may own, including dogs, cats cost money to take care of properly.

When you get a cat, you’ll need to think about the costs. You’ll obviously need food, and you’ll also need to plan ahead for vet costs. You’ll also need litter, which can tend to get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a litter box, food dish, and water dish. You should also invest in some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, a pet carrier, and a bed. You should also look into getting an ID collar as well, just in case your cat ever gets lost.

Feeding your pet will depend a great deal on his age. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks. Cats that are between three and six months of age need to be fed three times a day. Canned food can be fed to cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes need to be disposed of. Canned food can get expensive fast, and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats loved canned food, although it doesn’t have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does.

As an alternative plan, you can always leave a supply of dry food out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on your cat’s teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits, and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your pet needs.

If you own a kitten, you should only give you kitten food designed for him. You’ll also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. Even though kittens and adult cats like cow’s milk, you should avoid giving it to them as it can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasion, although too many of them can cause your pet to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it in with his cat food.

By themselves, cats stay fairly clean. Although you don’t have to bathe them that often, you’ll need to give them a brushing at least once a day. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and keep your cat’s coat nice and clean. If you are keeping your cat indoors, you’ll need to have a litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access. You should always scoop it on a daily basis, and clean it out once a week. Cats don’t like to use dirty litter boxes, they prefer for it to be nice and clean.

Although cats do require some work, they are great pets that will provide you with years and years of companionship. As long as you take care of your cat and take him to the vet for his checkups, he should remain healthy. Even though cats can get sick from time to time – knowing how to care for him will make a world of difference.

Kritthaphat N. asked:


One of the popular pets is the cat. Some people love them because they are sweet and affectionate. But just like any other animal your pet cat also has a wild and vicious side especially when they are attacked or provoked. You will know that your pet cat is angry when he arches his back and his fur is raised. This is a sign that the cat is already angry and ready to attack. Cats attack by using their sharp nails and scratching their enemy. They can also slap and bite. One will usually end up with scratches and cuts after the cat calms down. Only on rare occasions do people get seriously hurt through cat attacks. Yet still one should be very careful in provoking the cat because no one wants a fight. On the lighter side of cats, they are also fond of playing. You may notice that your pet cat is fond of strings the reason behind this is because they see the string as the tail of their mother. Cats look for each other and follow one another through their tails. Sometimes when cats are playing with another it may seem that they are fighting because they make loud noises and they look like they are wrestling one another. But the truth is they also play the same way. The only difference is that when they are angry they bite and scratch.

Now when it comes to the nutrition of your pet cat they need essential vitamins and minerals like carbohydrates, protein, fiber and fats. Cat foods are available in the market and can be bought any time you need one. Just make sure that you read the label of the cat food before purchasing it, check if it has all the essential nutrients your pet cat needs. Another important consideration is the recommendation of your veterinarian. Since vets know the specific food that your cat needs he will be a lot of help when it comes to deciding what to feed your cat. Cats need different kinds of food depending on what stage they are in. Kittens have special needs that are different from those senior cats. Just to be sure better to consult the vet. Cats also get infected with different diseases like urinary tract infection, upper respiratory infection, kidney failure and diabetes. Diseases are usually transmitted through viruses from other cats. When you have two or more cats living in one place it’s best to bring them to the vet regularly so as to prevent problems. Another problem with the cat is fleas. We all know that fleas can be dangerous and it can lead to anemia, and tapeworms. One thing you can do to prevent fleas from infecting your pet cat is to make sure that the cat is always clean. Good grooming is the answer.

All in all caring for cats require a lot of effort on the owner’s part but once you’ve done it you’ll see that it’s very fulfilling.

Trevor Price asked:


Regular health care for pets is a crucial part of their ongoing development, health and well-being. Outside regular exercise and a healthy diet, your pet needs routine health care to ensure it has a long and happy life. Regular, routine health care should include proper grooming, good dental care, parasite prevention and regular visits to the veterinarian’s office. To learn more, read on.

Ongoing Veterinarian Visits

Your adult cat or dog should see the veterinarian at least annually. Puppies and kittens should have a vet visit at least once a month for the first 4 months and then as needed until they’re ready for annual check-ups. Cats and dogs over 7 or 8 years old should see the veterinarian every six months.

During your veterinarian visit, you can expect your veterinarian to look for signs of possible illness, disease or injury. They may also prescribe blood work, prescription drugs, vaccinations or a health care program such as hydrotherapy or physiotherapy.

Parasite Control

The primary intestinal parasites of dogs and cats include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. These worms damage the digestive tract or interfere with absorption of essential nutrients. Intestinal parasites are typically diagnosed after finding worm eggs or actual worms in your pet’s *****.

Fecal samples should be tested periodically – this is typically done at your annual veterinarian checkup or on an as-needed basis.

Heartworm is another type of internal parasite that is almost always deadly. The worms are contracted by mosquito bites, then the eggs later hatch and live in the blood vessels around the lungs and heart. It is painful and deadly, but also preventable. During mosquito season and sometimes year-round, your veterinarian will prescribe preventive heartworm health care for pets in the form of a pill.

Other external parasites include mites, ticks and fleas. These pests cannot only irritate your pet, but also cause infection. So, check your animal regularly for signs of flea bites, and treat for it accordingly.

Regular Tooth Maintenance

Cats and dogs need regular dental care to prevent tartar buildup and tooth decay. Typically, dogs require ongoing dental care, like a light, daily tooth brushing. Cats are typically fine with a few dental treats and the occasional vet visit.

You can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums in good condition by brushing their teeth regularly and providing them with certain toys like flossies or dental bones.

Good Grooming

Loose or shed hair cannot only mat and cause problems, but it can also be inhaled and lead to digestive issues or hair balls. Keep your pet well groomed to avoid skin irritation, which can also lead to bacterial or parasite infection.

Health care for pets is about more than an occasional visit to the vet or treating specific problems. Additionally, it includes ongoing maintenance and a regular health care routine. So, give your pet a long and happy life by practicing good grooming, regular dental care, parasite prevention and appropriate trips to the vet. It’s an investment well worth the time and cost for your beloved pet.

Cristian Stan asked:

It seems that cats have become a common fixture in our household. Many people own one, and in fact, having cats as pets has been a practice for over thousands of years.

Just like dogs, though not as many, cats also have numerous breeds, but the popular ones are Siamese and Persian. If you plan to get one for a pet, there are factors you have to consider, and among these is the cost.

Just like owning any other pet, it will cost some money to own a cat. Of course, you will need to buy food, medicines, clinic visits, and also a litter. The basic essentials you should have are: food plate, water plate, and a litter box. Additionally, cats love to play so buying toys would be recommended. Other paraphernalia you will need: cat collar, bed, carrier, and scratching post.

Feeding Your Cat

The kind of food and frequency of feeding vary with age. When a cat is still very young- a kitten- he will need to be fed several times a day; as he grows older, you can feed him twice daily, or even with one big meal. To be more specific, before he reaches 12 weeks, you will have to feed him at least 4x daily; when he reaches 3-6 months, feeding is lowered down to thrice daily.

Dos and Don’ts

Never feed him food that has been left out for more than half an hour. Canned food can be given, but these can be expensive. For some reason, cats love canned meals but these do not really have any advantage to dental health in the way that dry meals do. So you might want to consider giving him dry food too. When giving dry food, see to it that your cat gets sufficient water intake on a day to day basis. When buying dry food, make sure that you look at the nutritional value it offers and not buy it because it is cheap. Usually, generic food does not contain enough nutrients that your cat needs. Kittens should only be given kitten food, and do not feed yours with adult cat food. Do not keep on giving your cat milk. They love milk but it causes diarrhea. Do make sure to wash his plate everyday. When giving treats, keep it to a minimum as this will make your cat fat. You can feed your cat human food occasionally but still mix it with his regular food. Brush their coat once daily to avoid hairballs, and at the same time, it helps keep their coat shiny and clean. Clean their litter box at least once a week because cats **** it when their litter box is dirty. Take regular visits to his vet, and make sure required shots are given.

Well, if you may have noticed, owning a cat is not always that easy as they require maintenance and care. But cats are wonderful, loving creatures who will keep you company for many, many years. In the end, it is going to be worth it.

Sheri Davis Collins asked:


We all know we need to keep our cat’s teeth clean to prevent widespread illness and infections, right?  But just how do we do this peacefully, without undue stress on ourselves and our pet?

My cats have been trained since kittens to allow me to gently wipe their teeth with a piece of clean gauze every 2 days.

A neighbor’s cat had dental problems that were left untreated because she could not afford it. The pet succumbed to bacterial infection that affected its heart.  She was devastated.

Dental disease affects the teeth as well as bloodstream, carrying bacteria throughout the animal’s body, which negatively affects its liver, kidneys, heart and lungs.

As a result, I decided to do all I could to ensure that in between annual dental visits I would give the best at home teeth carepossible. I never realized dental care for cats is so important.

I knew they wouldn’t allow me to use a toothbrush, however small it might be.

Therefore, I began using a dental spray, in its liquid form in an eye dropper, that was much easier to administer. It has no side effects, human grade ingredients and almost tasteless.It actually dissolves the tartar and keeps their gums healthy.  I was desperate to try anything because their tartar build up was phenomenal in such a short time.

They have an annual dental check up. However the build up was always at stage 2 or 3 and would cost me $350 to $500 each.  I had to do something to keep the vet bill down.

I had no idea I could buy a product that helped decrease tartar and dental expense.I don’t want to take a chance that my being unable to afford dental care would adversely affect my pets.

There are some dry foods that purport its advantage in assisting to remove tarter.  However some cats, like one of mine, cannot eat dry food because of urinary tract issues.  So having an alternative available that doesn’t require brushing is a definite plus.

In summation, proper teeth care at home can save your cat’s heart, kidneys and lungs. 

Patricia Reed asked:


Cats are proving to be one of the most popular pets you can own. They are a domesticated animal that date back around 8,000 years and beyond. There are several different breeds of this animal with the most popular being Siamese and Persian. Like any other pet, including dogs, cats can cost money to take care of properly.

You need to think about the costs associated with keeping a cat. Obviously you will need food and

you will need to consider the costs of a veterinarian. You will also need litter for the litter box, which can get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a food dish and a water dish. You should also get your cat some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, pet carrier and a bed. An ID collar is a good idea also, just in case your cat gets lost.

The age of your cat will influence the feeding of your pet. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens, on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks old. At three to six months of age, cats need to be fed three times a day. Canned food is good for cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes needs to be thrown out. Canned food gets expensive very fast and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats love canned food, although it doesn’t have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does.

An alternative to canned food is dry food. You can leave a supply out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on the cat’s teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your cat needs.

If you have a kitten, you should only give him food designed for kittens. you will also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. You should avoid giving kittens and cats cows milk, even though they really like it. It can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasions, but too many of them can cause your cat to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it with cat food.

Cats stay fairly clean by themselves. You will need to give them a brushing at least once a day. You don’t need to bathe them very often. Brushing reduces the risk of hairballs and keeps your cat’s coat nice and clean. If you keep your cat indoors, you will need to have a litter box in the area that is easy for the cat to access. You should scoop it on a daily basis and clean it out once a week. Cats do not like to use dirty litter and will scratch it out onto your floor. They want it nice and clean.

Cats do require some work, but they are great pets that will provide you years and years of

companionship. As long as you take car of your pet, take them to the vet for checkups and generally love them, they should remain healthy and happy pets. A healthy and happy pet makes for a healthy and happy owner. They will get sick from time to time and knowing how to care for them will make a lot of difference.