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.

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.