The Importance Of Cat Care

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Michelle Bery asked:


Having a pet can be a wonderful experience as our furry friends integrate themselves into our daily lives and become cherished members of our families. We all certainly have our allegiances when it comes to our pet of choice. Just as dog owners will brag of the canine’s family-friendly quality and loving demeanor, cat owners will boast of the cat’s intelligent nature and subtle personality. Of course, part of having a pet – of any variety – is the responsibility for their daily care. And cat care, as any cat owner will tell you, is paramount to ensuring your feline’s good health and longevity.

First and foremost, when it comes to cat care – just as you would do for a baby – you must take steps to make your home a safe place for a curious kitty. When doing this, it is helpful to get down on the floor so that you can get a perspective for what may look interesting to your tiny new family member. Remove any small things from the floor that could be a choking hazard, and look for small, dangerous places where your kitten could inadvertently get stuck. Also, be mindful of lit candles and open windows!

Of course, cat care also means proper medical supervision. If you don’t already have a reputable veterinarian with whom you feel comfortable, it is important that you seek one out. Do some research among the animal lovers in your community; you will often find that there is a consensus among them regarding the best choice in area veterinarians. It is essential that you set up an initial appointment for your cat to make sure that all of your cat’s protective shots are in order. The same veterinarian will be significant going forward for regular check-ups, teeth cleaning, and any other medical intervention that you may need.

Ask your veterinarian about the food most appropriate for cat care. As you will find, there are a variety of cat foods on the market today, all advertising their own all-important nutrients; it can be difficult to navigate. Your cat’s nutrition needs will change as it ages so it is important that you keep pace. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what is nutritionally most important for your kitten – as well as your older cat.

Finally, when it comes to cat care, it is important that your cat feel comfortable and that is has a place of its own. A litter box placed in a removed area of your home will offer your cat a place to go to the bathroom. Talk with your veterinarian about how best to introduce the litter box to your cat.

Ultimately, the most important cat care is the love and protection that you offer, allowing your cat to grow healthy and strong.



Important Cat Care News

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Jim Moore asked:


You’ve brought your kitten home. You’ve got her set up with all her needs. Now, you’re faced with some of the more puzzling aspects of cat care. You’re wondering about declawing. And that’s just for starters. Not to worry.

First and foremost, realize that the first step to successful cat ownership is to love your cat. Filling in the blanks on the information you don’t know yet will come. And here’s some information and knowledge to get you started. Of course homeopathic care for cat is something that is all over the news right now, but there’s actually a lot more to know then that.

Yes, cats shed. And the shedding of a long-haired cat is more noticeable than that of a short haired feline. Expect your cat only to shed at the change of the seasons. That’s not so. Because of his exposure to a constant temperature and continual artificial light, your indoor cat sheds year round. But it’s not nearly as bad as it sounds.

Here’s a good piece of important cat care information, cats take care of a lot of their shedding on their own. They are fastidiously clean animals. You’ll discover they are constantly cleaning themselves with their rough, sandpaper-like tongues. The very mechanism, though, that helps them to control shedding also contributes to one of their health problems, hairballs. Hairballs are a very real threat to your cat’s digestion. They can block the food that’s already been digested from traveling through his intestines.

So how can you tell when your cat is experiencing hairballs? You’ll be able to recognize them if he coughs them up – as cats are prone to do. If you find cigar-shaped masses of some indistinguishable matter on the floor or on your furniture, you’ve discovered a hairball.

Sometimes, though, a cat will expel them along with his ***** in the litter box. If you find that your cat’s bowel movements have hair on them, that means he’s got hairballs. Another symptom your feline may exhibit is dry coughing or a hacking. This will especially occur after he’s eaten. In fact, if your cat has a sudden, unexpected loss of appetite, you may suspect a hairball is at the root cause.

So how do you prevent hairballs? Take matters in your own hands, literally! Brush! Brush! Brush! Groom you kitty often. Most cats find it most enjoyable and it builds a marvelous bond between you and your feline.

If you discover that your kitten may need more aid than this, there are many effective hairball remedies on the market today. They come in a variety of forms, from granules you sprinkle inconspicuously on his food to gels.

Thinking about declawing?

If you haven’t heard, declawing your cat so he doesn’t ruin your furniture or accidentally seriously scratch an individual is controversial. A generation ago, this operation was routine, many times performed at the same time the kitten got spayed or neutered.

The public today, though, is more widely educated on exactly what surgery for declawing entails. It’s not just a matter of pulling the claws out of the kitty. To remove a cat’s claws, a veterinarian must actually amputate the cat’s paws at the first joint. This would be the equivalent you getting your knuckles amputated right below your finger nails. Ouch!

In order to perform the surgery, your veterinarian will anesthetized your cat as well as give him pain medication. He will literally cut the first section of your cat’s paw off, since the claws are intricately intertwined in the first “knuckle.”

Following the surgery, your cat’s paws are carefully bandaged. Your cat will undoubtedly spend the night at the animal hospital. The following day you’ll be able to bring her home.

Be prepared! Your cat – understandably – will be distinctly uncomfortable for several days following the surgery. (Actually, she’ll probably be in great pain. But felines are wonderful actors. Cats **** to show that they’re in any type of pain.)

Considering, though, the extent of the surgery, your cat heals quite quickly. You’ll notice that your pet walks around the house rather gingerly. That’ll last for about a week. After that she’ll back to her old self.

To help prevent infection, you should replace her litter with some shredded paper. This avoids getting granules of litter in his already very tender paws.

Declawing your cat does more than just eliminate the problem of scratching. Her claws -and that portion of the toes that are removed, are valuable to her in another vital way. Removing her claws may throw her entire system of natural balance off.

A cat, you see, is classified as a “digitigrade.” It’s a strange label, but essentially it means that she walks on her toes. But, a cats toes are used for so much more! Her entire balance and form are based on the length of her digits. Nature, it seems, designed the cat’s body – including her back, shoulders, paws, leg joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and even her nerves! – based on walking on her toes. Because of this, her weight is distributed across its toes as it walks, runs and climbs.

That means a cat’s claws are absolutely essential for her balance as well as for her ability to exercise effectively. Not only that, her toes – and especially her claws are vital aspects of her stretching. Notice when your cat scratches at a post (or, yes, your furniture!). We all assume she’s just sharpening her claws. Not so! She is really stretching her entire body. When you declaw your kitten, it throws her entire body alignment off.

Hairballs and declawing. Not usually subjects that come up in everyday conversations, now are they? But these are only two of the important bits of information that every cat owner needs to know in order to give Fluffy the best of care. That, and your love, will help your kitten live a long and healthy life.



Taking Care Of Cats

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

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.



Taking Good Care of Your Cat

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Steve Peters asked:


When you get a cat, it can be thought of as both a pet and a friend. If you plan on your cat living for many years, make sure you are knowledgeable in the proper care of cats.

Before getting one from the pet store or animal shelter, be sure to have a bed, dish bowl and litter box ready. Cats will wander around both within and outside your house, so you should ensure that your cat has a collar with your contact information so that your neighbors will know where to return your cat should they come across it.

Another option is to insert a microchip under their skin. Aside from using it merely to identify the cat if it gets lost, it also has another purpose which is a flea deterrent because it has a chemical that helps keep these parasites away.

The best made cat foods are the only ones you should purchase for your pet. Meat, fish or poultry are a good source of rich protein for these. Kibble.and canned versions are both available, and nutritionalists generally believe that, to prevent an addiction to one kind of food, they should be mixed.

One thing you must never feed a cat is chocolate because it has certain chemicals that could be fatal for them. 

Additionally, you can enhance your cat’s diet with vitamins that contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Taurine, which is considerd a vital amino acid.

Don’t forget to bring your cat at least once a year to the vet. This is to check on your pet’s state of health as well as giving the annual vaccinations. You should know that the older the cat gets, such visits to the vet should be done every 6 months because they also get old.

Even without an appointment, you should visit the vet if you are convinced something is not quite right. Keep in mind that for handling cats, this is a specialized professional.

Keep their nails short to avoid scratching to hard and injuring themselves and you. Since they love to scratch and this may cause damage to your furniture, make sure to also have a scratch pad nearby positioned by their bed or the furniture.

If your cat is a house cat, he should remain inside at all times. When you go out, remember to lock all of your windows and doors.

Quality care throughout your cat’s life can help him live for over ten years.

———-



Cats Are Friends Too

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Robert Buford asked:


was a child, I always had a cat. Back then, a cat was replaceable to most people, and if one got run over, killed by the neighbor’s dog, poisoned, or just disappeared, there was always another cat to be found.

Fortunately, attitudes have changed over time. These days many people recognize that animals deserve to be treated more humanely and not as a throw away pet.Certainly, I’ve gotten wiser as I’ve gotten older, and my cats have benefited from that.So I decided to take all the tips, tricks, and advice I learned and “compress” it into a sanity saving resource for anyone battling bad cat behavior.

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of people bringing cats indoors has been a trend toward having them declawed for their owner’s personal comfort.Declawing a cat is not a good or safe or reasonable thing to do!Look down at your hands and imagine having your fingertips, up to the first knuckle, being cut off. This is what it’s like to a cat to be declawed!Please know this: With a little work, it is easy to train your cat to use a scratching post and preserve that beautiful furniture and other decorations in the home.

Cats are clean animals. They prefer to “do their business” in sand or dirt . . . just about any substance they can paw at and cover their wastes up with. So don’t worry. You’re dealing with an animal that “wants” to use some device.In case you don’t realize it,cats prefer a litter box with privacy. Yes, if they were people, they would be the type that would not only close the bathroom door completely, they would probably lock the door as well

Cats meow; that’s the predominate way how cats communicate ,and the type of voice they use lets you know some idea of what they’re trying to tell you.A favorite method of communicating is the cat’s purr, which is unique to the feline species. You may already know that a cat purrs when he’s content.However, if you pay close attention to your cat, you’ll notice that he also purrs when he’s nervous, feeling a little uneasy or even if he’s in great pain.

Does your cat “head-butt” you? That’s the cat’s standard affectionate greeting. Try “head-butting” him back. Seriously. Not very hard of course. You’ll discover that he really enjoys this. You’ll also soon discover that you’ve got a bond forming with this feline.

Cats are truly one of the most interesting, unique pets you can own. Also,with the proper care, a cat will live a lot longer,healthier,life than you ever thought possible.
But, no matter how good your intentions are, you’re not being fair to your cat if you don’t learn how to care for him properly. It’s really easy to do…

Who Else Wants To Discover The Secrets To Having A Perfect Cat That Makes All of Your Friends In Envy Of You?And be able to have a relationship with your pet that you probably didn’t realize was possible!If you are a true cat lover, this is the most important article you’ll read all year.

Why?You ask,Because;

You’re about to learn exactly what your cat is communicating to you through body language and her various noises!

You’re about to discover exactly how to train your cat so it does exactly what you want, when you want (such as come when called, never scratch the furniture or bite, use the human toilet or litter box perfectly, eat what you give it, and be more affectionate!

You’ll have a much closer, happier relationship with your cat, even if you already get on really well!

You probably didn’t even realize you could train your cat. Well rest assured, it’s easy when you know how



Important Tips When Traveling with Cats

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Levi Quinn asked:

Animal lovers would love to be able to take their pets along on trips. However, the whole activity can be nerve wracking especially with the cats when they begin hissing, clawing and even moaning. Nevertheless, there are ways that individuals may comfortably travel with their cats.

When traveling with cats planning well in advance is imperative. When making the travel itinerary and before embarking on a trip cat lovers need to ensure that they are conversant with rules related to pets; especially where they are allowed in motels and hotels.

The cats should be adequately prepared for the trip. It is important that the cat’s shots are updated. So this would involve a visit to the veterinarian where the cat is vaccinated in preparation for the journey. When traveling with pets such as cat, pet owners are required to provide the animal’s health certificate. The veterinarian may provide this on request. Traveling may expose pets to health risks which is why a visit to the vet is recommended. Cats may appear nervous and distressed about leaving familiar environments. In such a situation the pet owner may request the vet to administer a mild tranquilizer.

While traveling, it is advisable that the cat is confined, thus the need for a cat carrier. This helps to comfort the cat. However, before leaving for the journey, cat owners are advised to acclimatize their cats to their carriers. This involves letting the cat sleep in the carrier and sometimes taking the cat for short drives while in the carrier. In order to make traveling seem like fun, the cat owner may reward the cat by giving snacks. With time the cat is sure to get accustomed to traveling.

It is important that cat owners place some kind of identification on their pets. A harness on a cat is particularly important. An id tag with such information as the owners name and contact information such as address and telephone number should be attached to the harness. Tagging a cat is also a good idea. By fastening a leash on the harness, the cat owner may also be able to take the cat for a walk.

A litter box for use on potty breaks is a necessity when traveling with cats. The cat owner may make the litter box from a small card board box that contains clay litter, old newspapers, cloths or towels. The litter box should be placed in the cat carrier. Absorbent towels come in handy in case of potty accidents. Nevertheless, having out door breaks comes highly recommended.

Cat owners should refrain from feeding their cats just before embarking on the drive. A full bladder is likely to make the cat even more uneasy. Consequently, potty accidents may occur. In some instances, the cat may vomit. Cat owners are also advised to carry drinking water from home. Traveling may bewilder the cat; consequently it may refuse to drink water that has a strange taste resulting in dehydration.

Through careful planning, cat owners may make traveling with cats stress free and more enjoyable.

How To Take care Of cats

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

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.



Flushable Cat Litters : The Purrfect Solution In Litter-al Terms

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Lee Dobbins asked:


Americans love cats. In fact, these regal creatures have invaded millions of homes across the country and currently number about 60 million. You’ve probably heard that people don’t choose cats – it’s the other way around and with that in mind, we should be honored. It’s just that with that honor and that unique companionship also come certain responsibilities — like cleaning the nasty bits, for example.

The solution? Flushable cat litter – a newer, friendlier alternative to the older, messier litter boxes.

How they work

Forget what you saw in that Ben Stiller-Robert de Niro movie. Cats may be trained to use toilets designed for humans, but very few have gotten around to perfect that flushing mechanism. Besides, training is a two-way process and not all cat owners can train their kitties to do as they wish. Automatic flushable cat litters may hold the answer, without driving a wedge between your cat and yourself.

Automatic flushable cat litters are self-cleaning litter boxes that keep the cat box clean through the use of a raking system that gets rid of the solid waste by pushing it into a waste receptacle. A cat owner can then remove this plastic part and dispose of the waste easily. Some models even have an exit ramp that cleans the cat’s paws to prevent them from leaving track marks.

For the well-cared for cat, there’s LitterFree (TM). Dubbed as the ‘ultimate’ cat litter box, LitterFree is a new design from Pet Food Express and takes cat litter boxes to a whole new level. The product is connected to the water and drainage system and cleans automatically using water to wash the wastes and flush them down the pipes.

It also features a blower that dries the granules to prepare them for the next use. When the manufacturers labeled it ‘flushable’, they meant it. So if you want an innovative, worry-free cat litter box and are willing to spend more, this is for you.

Instead of ordinary litter granules, those that are used in flushable cat litters are dust-free and washable. The problem of unpleasant odor is also corrected by the flushable cat litter’s automatic system of treating the granules with a cleaning solution that both disinfects and deodorizes, ensuring that your kitty’s little toilet is kept clean and fresh.

No simple task

Flushable cat litters are the result of years of design, engineering and testing, as evidenced by the company that produces LitterFree

Cat Care Basics

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Kelly Miller asked:


When my kids came home begging me to get them a cat, I had no idea what to expect or how to care for a cat. Before I relented, I did some research and found out that there are some cat care basics with which I needed to be familiar before we would bring a cat into the home. We had to make decisions about food, litter, cat furniture, toys, fleas, grooming, and vet care. It was not a decision to be taken lightly, but it was one we decided to take on.

Here is some of the information I uncovered doing my research before we brought our new cat, Tommy, into our home.

Cats need a specific diet. Not all cat foods are good at meeting the natural dietary needs of cats. You would think that if a manufacturer says a food is good for cats, it has to be good for cats. But determining whether or not a food fits the dietary needs of your cat is up to you. The manufacturer is trying to sell his product, so do your homework.

Dry foods have different health benefits and drawbacks than canned foods. I didn’t know that! Cats don’t need a lot of vegetable fillers in their diet. I didn’t know that either! Cats need a high-protein, high-animal fat diet. That sounded a bit off until I thought about it. Cats are carnivores in the truest sense of the word. They eat only other animals when they are in their natural habitat. Now I understand why I need to read labels and choose the diet that is best suited to Tommy’s natural needs.

Another area I looked into was what toys are best for a cat. I saw a lot of really cool, colorful, texture-rich toys in the pet store. They would be great! Any cat would have so much fun with such a toy. Not so. Cats are not completely color blind, but they do not make much distinction in colors. A colorful toy has little influence on its attractiveness to a cat.

I also thought a big ball of yarn would be fun until I found out that cats can ingest yarn and it embeds in the lining of their stomachs. That is not a scenario I wanted to know about personally! The cool crinkly toys I saw have had problems with the crinkly part coming out when the cat plays with it. Again, ingestion of the material can cause serious health risks. I had a lot of things to consider if I was going to have a cat and provide safe, fun toys for him to play with.

Do you know how many kinds of cat litter are on the market? Did you know some cats won’t use certain types of litter? Some of them are very expensive, and others have a more reasonable price tag, but while some cats enjoy the more expensive, others will only use the cheapest kind of litter. I was getting quite tired just thinking about how many experiments we might have to do if we brought a cat home. How much clean up was I willing to do if the cat didn’t like the litter I bought?

Cat furniture is another issue I researched. I know cats scratch, and I had heard that declawing is an unpleasant and unnecessary procedure. I wanted to know what my options were and how effective I could be in preserving my furniture and carpets. There is a large variety of options for furniture. There are textures cats prefer, along with structures that they enjoy. I learned that most important was to provide variety in any furniture I chose. I also learned that it is significantly cheaper (though requires an investment of time) to build my own.

Finally, I turned my thoughts to the physical health of a cat. I know worms can be a problem for a lot of cats. What I didn’t know was how easy they are to treat if you are diligent about keeping up with the general health of the cat. I also learned that there are things you can do to make your cat’s habitat less conducive to picking up worms. Cleanliness is important in the house as well as the yard!

And what about fleas? While fleas can be a problem, and they can cause some other health issues if they get out of control in a cat, they are also a minor problem if you are taking charge of your cat’s overall health. There are many monthly-use products that keep fleas at bay just by being faithful to giving them to your cat.

Ultimately, I learned a lot about taking care of a cat. My kids were asking me almost daily until I gave in and we brought Tommy home. I have been diligent about providing for his needs. He sees the vet on schedule. He has a healthy, protein-rich diet, he has toys that cannot hurt him, and we did finally find a litter he will use! He has quit scratching the furniture, and we are all enjoying having him in our home.

Be diligent in your research about cat care basics. If you will pay attention to your cat’s needs, you will be able to avoid illness, injury, and outrageous vet bills!



Cat Care 101

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

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.

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