Cat Care

Cats are one of the most popular pets that people have. Taking care of your cat will ensure it has a long and healthy life.

There are many different breeds. Most people own the plain old domestic house cat. Cats are a domesticated animal that originated about 8,000 years ago - maybe older. Like any other pet that you have, including dogs, cats cost money to take care of properly. Some breeds of cats need more care than other breeds.

The first thing that you want to think about when getting a cat or kitten is whether you can afford it. There are several things that are necessary. The most obvious is cat food. Your kitty will also need a litter box, food and water dishes, a scratching post, and of course, cat toys. Your cat should also have a color with ID just in case he gets out of the house. Your kitten will live longer if you keep her inside the house rather than outside.

What you feed you cat depends upon how old he is. An older cat should have two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens need 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. Cats love canned food but it should be refrigerated once the can has been opened. Dry cat food isbetter for their teeth.

Name brand cat foods are better for your cat because generic cat foods may not have the nutrition that cats need to keep them healthy. If you have a kitten, you should only give your kitten the "kitten" food that is made specifically for kittens.

Your cat needs to have water available at all times, especially if he is only fed dry cat food. You’ll need to clean and refill his water dish every day.

Don't give kittens or adult cats cow’s milk since 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.

Cats really don't need to be groomed very often since they do a good job of that by themselves. And cats absolutely hate baths. They do like to be brushed thought. Brushing your cat will reduce the risk of her getting a hairball.

Remember that you cat's litter box needs to be scooped out a minimum of once a day and totally cleaned - including new litter - once a week. Cats don’t like to use dirty litter boxes, they want it to be nice and clean.

Your cat will also need to be taken to the veterinarian for checkups and vaccinations. Your vet will have a schedule that you should follow.

Cats don't need as much care as some other pets, but you still have to provide them with certain necessities: food, water, toilet facilities and companionship. Even if you have more than one cat, they still need you to love them.