Cats are wonderful pets for everyone. Children and adults enjoy the company of a fuzzy little friend. Owning a cat is a responsibility that you should cherish and enjoy.
Taking care of a cat can be easy and fun. The happier your feline is, the happier you will be!
Litter Box
All indoor cats need a litter box. Litter boxes come in many sizes, shapes, colors, and designs. Some have automatic cleaners while others need to be scooped out manually. If you choose a manual design, you may need to invest in a scooper also. When choosing a litter box, you will need to take a few things into consideration. How many cats will be using the box? How often do you want to clean it? Will the design be practical? The different types of litter boxes may seem overwhelming, but you should just pick the one that works best with your schedule.
Once you have chosen the litter box, you will need to decide on a brand of cat litter. Cat litter also comes in many different varieties. Some have extra odor control and others have special “clumping” ingredients. You will need to choose a litter that will work best with your box design. Multiple cats will often need an odor absorbing type because of the excessive usage.
Food
Cats are relatively easy to feed. There are many types of food to choose from. Cat food comes in both dry and canned. Most have a recommended feeding schedule on the label.
Cats will need liquids. Most are fine with water. However, milk is a nice treat.
Deciding where to keep the cat’s food area can be tricky. You want to keep all food out of the reach of other animals. Messy feeding areas can attract ants, roaches, and other unwanted pests. Keep your cat’s “dining room” clean. Clean the food and water bowl on a daily basis.
Cleaning
Cats like to bathe themselves. However, this does not get rid of fleas and ticks. Choose a shampoo formula that will work best with your cat’s coat. Ticks and fleas can be a nuisance to your pet and can also infest your house if not properly treated.
Cats have sharp claws. This can be dangerous, especially around children. Grooming clinics often offer to de-claw cats; however, you must remember that felines use this as a weapon. If you are not positive that your cat will always be an indoor cat, you should consider just keeping the claws trimmed.
Cats should be wormed. There are immunizations also available for felines. Your pet should be properly cared for if you notice any signs of a health issue. Check with your local vet for more information.
Playtime
There are many toys you can purchase for your cat. However, there may be many things around your house that can keep your pet entertained for hours. Strings, yarn, small animal toys, and balls will all be useful during playtime.
Sleeping
Cats sleep during all hours of the day. Cats do not generally need a place to sleep although there are many cat accessories for you to choose from. Most felines can lay down anywhere and shut their eyes. It is not necessary to purchase any special sleeping beds.
Cats are not hard to take care of. Most just need food, water, a good bill of health, and a little love! Cats are often considered part of the family. Taking care of a pet can be a rewarding responsibility!
