Cat Tips

Cats can make a house feel like a home. Feline friends are generally affectionate and undemanding in comparison to their canine counterparts. Although largely independent, your cat will rely on you for a few important things. It is crucial that you cater to its needs to ensure it remains happy and healthy.

  1. Health Tips

    • Regular vet checkups are important for your cat. Initial vaccinations and annual doses are usually necessary. Without vaccination you are putting your cat at risk of developing serious and life threatening illnesses. Because cats are mostly outdoor animals, you cannot always avoid its interaction with diseased animals or vermin; vaccination is its only protection. Having your cat neutered is also important to prevent unwanted pregnancies which are common with cats. There are already millions of cats and kittens that need good homes, so take this matter seriously. Contact your vet immediately if you notice sudden changes in your cat, including but not limited to: strange lumps; loss of appetite; trouble going to the toilet or blood in the urine or feces; unusual discharge from eyes and nose; or major hair loss.

    Nutrition

    • Whether you buy your cat food at a grocery store or at a vet you should read the labels carefully so you know what you are feeding it. The main component should be a source of meat and there should not be excessive additives like several coloring agents and flavor enhancers. The simpler the ingredients, the better. Follow the instructions about the amount and frequency of feeding. Most importantly remember to have clean, fresh water available for your cat to have anytime. Milk can cause bloating and diarrhea and is not necessary in their diet. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, as this can lead to weight problems, nutritional imbalances and fussy eaters. Also note that certain human foods such as chocolate and onions can be toxic to your cat; ask your vet for more information about this.

    Have Fun with Your Cat

    • Cats and especially kittens love to play. It is important to have fun with your cat as it will strengthen the bond between you. It is also important in developing trust with each other. You can try pulling around a piece of string so it can try and catch it. You can tickle its tummy -- although some cats don't like this -- or you can move your hands or feet under a thick blanket and let it pounce. Watch out for sharp claws when you are playing with your cat and don't expect to get away without a few little scratches. When playing turns to more aggressive biting or scratching take that as the cue they have had enough.

    Inexpensive Toys

    • Toys are important for a cat or kitten, otherwise you may find your leather couch or dining room chairs become its toys and scratching posts. Start by protecting expensive items until it learns it is not allowed to scratch furniture. Scratching posts are great but trees outside are just as good and also great for climbing. Cut some holes in a cardboard box to act as windows and leave one end of the box open and one closed. This little cat house can provide a lot of entertainment especially for kittens. Try scrunching a few plastic bags together encased in another plastic bag. Make the ball the size of a baseball and secure well with a tape. The lightweight ball can be tossed around the house without causing damage.