As any cat lover knows owning a cat, or should I say being owned by a cat is a very pleasurable experience. To get the most from your relationship with this beautiful, mysterious and fun loving animal you must care for it properly. A well cared for cat is a happy cat. One that will be less inclined to wonder off seeking adoption from someone else. Cats are far more independent than dogs but nonetheless still need love and attention.
Providing a place to sleep
Cats are territorial and like to find their own space. They can seek this out for themselves without any help from us. The top of a sofa, wardrobe, fridge, or cupboard will often do nicely. We can assist them by offering them somewhere warm and cosy. Putting a blanket or fluffy towel perhaps in a basket or box is a good idea. Cats seem to have a fascination with boxes and will usually attempt to climb inside one as soon as it’s emptied of its contents. Cat beds can be useful and they look nice. A cat though has a mind of its own and if you buy one there is no guarantee your cat will use it.
Outdoor or Indoor Cats
If your cat is an indoor cat it will need a litter tray. Try and put it somewhere hygienic if you can. You can buy deodorises to help inhibit smells. Make sure it’s big enough for your cat and easy for it to climb into. Cats are meticulously clean animals and won’t like using it if it’s dirty so wash it and refill it regularly, once a day if possible.
Feeding and Watering
Fresh water each day is a must provided in a nice clean dish. Cats can be fussy eaters and it’s not always easy to get them to eat foods that are good for them. Dry Cat Food is preferred because it’s better for their teeth. Many people wonder whether to give their cats milk. A small amount is okay if your cat likes it. They don’t need the calcium as they can get that from good cat food. Milk can also give some cats diarrhoea so if they get it avoid giving them milk.
Bathing
Cats don’t exactly queue up to be bathed. It’s not their favourite pass time. They spend many hours cleaning themselves with their tongue. Bathing is not something you should do to them on a regular basis as it can cause distress. Sometimes bathing is necessary if they’ve managed to get themselves covered in grime. Make sure the water isn’t too hot and use a mild shampoo such as a baby shampoo. Don’t let the water get into their ears and eyes. Wrap them up in a towel afterwards. You’ll need to be patient with your cat during the process because you can expect plenty of opposition. If your cat has a medical condition and needs to be bathed your vet will give you advice.
Cat Grooming
This is very important for long haired cats to prevent the fur from becoming mattered. If your cat is not used to grooming you must introduce it to it gradually starting with those areas of the body the cat most likes having stroked and don’t make the session too long.
Toys
Cats, especially young cats and kittens are extremely playful. Very often something like a dangling piece of string or a sheet of paper scrunched up into a ball will provide hours of fun. However it’s enjoyable to buy a toy for your cat, but when you do you can’t be sure it will play with it. My tabby tom cat has an old knitted mouse he’s had for years. It’s a miracle the toy is still around because he’ll kick, bite, chew and roll on top of it.
