Cat Care Tips

Cat Care Tips Follow these tips at home and on the road to keep your feline friend safe, healthy, and happy. Identification Make sure your cat always wears a collar with an identification tag.  The tag should have your name, address, and phone number, and your cell number if you’re traveling. Check-ups Take your cat in to see the vet at least once a year.  Most vet offices will send you a reminder notice when your pet needs updates on vaccinations Spay or Neuter Cat overpopulation is a serious problem in this country.  Every year, hundreds of thousands of kittens are born without homes.  These babies end up in shelters or living in the wild, generally with a very poor chance of survival.  Your cat will be healthier if your spay her (or neuter him), and you’ll take a big step toward curbing this tragic problem. Feed Your Cat a Balanced Diet Your veterinarian can suggest a good diet for your cat and can also advise you on how much to feed it and how often.  Cats like to eat small meals throughout the day.  Your cat might be happiest having its meals spread out into four feedings rather than having a big breakfast and dinner.  Also, make sure your cat always has access to clean drinking water. Litter Box Keep your litter box clean, and you’ll prevent kitty accidents!  When cats got to the bathroom outside their box, it’s often in protest over a box that isn’t clean.  Scoop yours out regularly and your cat will be a happy camper. Groom Long-Haired Cats Without regular brushing or combing, long-haired cats can develop painful mats.  Grooming also removes loose hair, helping your cat avoid hairballs. Play Cats love to play—and it’s good for them!  Play is exercise, fun, and stimulation rolled into one.  If you can make time to play with your cat every day, you’ll strengthen your bond and have a happier cat.  Get some cat toys or make your own using string and toilet paper rolls or crinkly paper.  When you’re done playing, pull up the toy and offer your kitty a different type of toy.  Cats get bored when the same toy is available to them all the time.  Keep things interesting by rotating the toys (and possibly adding catnip).