Tips on Taking Care of Cats

Cats were first domesticated in Africa and the Middle East approximately 8,000 years ago. According to the Humane Society of the U.S., 33 percent of households in the U.S. include one or more cats. If yours is among them, there are do's and don'ts that you can follow to keep your feline friends happy and healthy.

  1. Health

    • Take your cat to a veterinarian if it is hiding more than usual, straining in the litter box, stops eating or grooming itself or is lethargic or moody. A visible membrane in the corner of its eyes, known as a "third eyelid," indicates illness.

      Spay or neuter your cat before it is 6 months old, which may prevent certain illnesses. Spaying a female cat before her first heat cycle may decrease her risk of breast cancer.

      Before brushing your cat's teeth -- with a feline toothpaste, never a human variety -- ease into the process by touching its gums with a cotton swab for a few days.

    Diet

    • To wean a kitten from milk replacer -- cats do not digest cow's milk well -- mix it with food and gradually add less milk replacer and more food. If your kitten refuses to eat, soak its food in warm water or feed it turkey or chicken baby food. Transition by mixing in kitten food and gradually changing the proportions. If you must change an adult cat's diet, introduce the new food gradually.

      If your cat suffers from constipation, incorporate fiber into its diet in the form of canned pumpkin or bran cereal, but only after a veterinarian has ruled out a serious underlying condition.

    Grooming

    • Always brush your cat's hair in the direction the fur grows, from head to tail. If you find knots, put talcum powder on them and undo them by hand or with a mat-splitter. Brush a feisty cat when it is standing before its food bowl.

      Give your cat daily foot massages for a week or two before attempting to trim its nails so that it becomes accustomed to having its feet touched. Avoid the nail's pink vein, which will bleed if cut. If this occurs, dip the nail in cornstarch to stop the flow.

    Behavior

    • Boredom in cats can lead to furniture-scratching and other unwanted behavior. Provide cat toys and a scratching post to keep them entertained. Do not discard a preferred scratching post even if it is worn. If your cats fight, spray them with a water gun or clap to stop them, but do not attempt to physically separate them.

      Encourage litter box use by putting it in an accessible location with minimal foot traffic, such as a bathroom, and avoid moving it. Remove solid waste often. Do not clean the box with ammonia or scented products.

    Travel

    • The ASPCA discourages flying with pets if they must travel as cargo. If this is unavoidable, book a direct flight to avoid mishandling during layovers. Freeze a tray of water for your kitty, which will melt into drinking water during the trip. Carry a photo of your cat and affix one to its USDA-approved shipping crate. If traveling by car, prepare your cat by taking it on short drives.