Cat
Care
It's what animal rescuers everywhere have been saying for decades: spay and neuter! Check out this video about the importance of spaying and neutering cats.
Cats
may seem independent, but they all require certain care, some more
than others. For basic cat care tips, please
refer to the following information, but,
remember, your veterinarian should be your number one resource when
caring for your cat.
The Top Ten Essentials:
Caring for Your Cat
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
1. Outfit your cat
with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone
number. No matter how careful you are, there's
a chance
your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases
the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.
2. Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and
identification system administered by some local governments, protects
both cats and
people in the community.
3. Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times
is best for you, your pet, and your community.
4. Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do
not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning
friend
for a referral.
5. Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce
the problem of cat overpopulation.
6. Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access
to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often
to feed your pet.
7. Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching
furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats
can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your
part.
8. Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although
it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their
hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove
as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest
a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.
9. Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the
same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with
your
pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation
he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.
10. Be loyal to
and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your
companion are reasonable and remember that the vast
majority
of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's
behavior, contact your veterinarian.
Visit the Humane
Society of the US website at www.hsus.org for
more information on cat care.
|
