| Once you decide to get a cat, you immediately face new responsibilities. Cats are easier to take care of than most pets. Give them food, shelter, love and attention and they will be fine. They handle their own bathing needs.
Below are some basic cat care areas to consider:
Feeding
Just like humans, cats must be fed regularly in order to regain the lost energy they spend during the day. Some people think that giving dog food to their cat would make the latter heavier and more vigilant, but the truth is that dog foods do not have the precise nutrients needed by a cat. It is important to note that cats are more energetic and vigorous than dogs, which means that more amino acids and protein are needed to sustain their proper nutrition -- this will be found in a cat food.
Kittens 6 months old and below must be fed with kitten food 3 to 4 times daily, while cats above 6 months must be fed at least twice a day. It is advisable to slowly shift kitten food to adult cat food.
Fresh water must always be available. Avoid giving your cats canned or powdered milk for it may cause diarrhea and stomach pains.
Grooming
The basic and most important part of grooming is brushing or combing the hair of your cat. This process will remove the excess hair that would otherwise turn into hairballs. A wide-toothed comb is advisable for long-haired cats while bristle brush will be good on short hairs.
The most common reason why cats undergo surgery is because of the big lumps of hairballs found within their body. This is caused by continuous "bathing" of cats using their tongue, and accidentally swallowing the hair taken from their coat. So, before your cat ends up in a pet clinic, make it a habit to always comb your cat’s hair. This is a big help in reducing the risk of hairballs.
The Environment
Deciding whether your cat stays inside or outside your house must be weighed seriously. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
In-house cats, especially kittens, can sometimes be destructive to your property. They can scratch your carpet and walls and leave strong scents around your house (this is a territorial defense for them). You will find strands of hair on your sofa and your bed. Most cats would also jump on your dining table and try to share your food for lunch or dinner.
Cats staying outside, on the other hand, have a greater probability of fights with neighboring cats and returning in an injured state. Cats may roam the streets at night and eventually get hit by a moving vehicle. They can also be lost. And then there is their mortal enemy -- the dog.
These are terrifying realities of a life outside a home. If you decide on outdoor, you must face the fact that outside cats have a significantly shorter life expectancy - approximately 2 to 4 years. In-house cats regularly reach 15 - 20 years. So 4 years vs. 15 years -- your choice.
Health Care
Aside from proper diet, a regular check-up is necessary in order to monitor your cat’s health. Vacinations will be given at that time to prevent common diseases.
Keep in mind the most important rule in cat care: shower your cat with love and affection and you will receive the same back. |