Responsible Cat Care

by Stan Beck

From: hagen.let.rug.nl

When owning a cat, there are few things to consider, such as: living conditions, feeding, grooming and cleanliness.

Living Conditions

Cats are very adaptable - they can live indoors or outdoors.  If you live in a city apartment, then your cat will most likely be an ‘indoor’ cat - although some apartment dwellers do like to take their favorite felines out for a walk from time to time (if this is the case, then make sure you use a good cat harness).

If you live on a farm (sort of the other extreme), then your cat may be an outdoor or barnyard cat exclusively.  And guess what, they are happy either way.  The big no-no for a cat is keeping it constantly locked up in a cage - this will drive the cat nuts for cats need freedom and mobility.

Feeding

Again, with a cat, you have great deal of flexibility here.  You can have free-choice feedings, meaning, the food is constantly out and the cat can eat whenever it wants to.  Or you can have scheduled feedings, where you set out a certain amount of food at a specified time.  Of course, the free-choice method is easiest on the owner, but if your kitty has a weight problem, you may have to set down a schedule.  Also, consider this, cats are natural hunters and by extension carnivores - they need to eat food that is high in protein.  A vegetarian diet is a dangerous thing for a feline.  Most cats will prefer canned food over dry, but dry food is better for their teeth.  Some people like to alternate back and forth between canned and dry so their cats get the best of both worlds.   In addition, try to avoid giving cows milk to ‘Fluffy’.  You see, the cow’s milk protein size is too large for cats to digest and some won’t react well to it — you cat can suffer from diarrhea or other digestion problems like vomiting.  Fresh, clean water is what cats need most.

Grooming

One of the best features about a cat is its ability to groom itself.  Cat’s instinctively want to be clean and are constantly using that rough tongue of theirs to clean themselves from head to toe.  In fact, when a cat stops cleaning itself, you might be concerned that he/she is sick or not feeling well.  The long-haired cat breed owner may also have to spend some time brushing their kitty, just to keep Fluffy’s fur from getting all tangled.  But remember, this is more of a cosmetic concern.

Cleanliness

Cats instinctively want to eliminate is relatively clean places.  They also like to bury their waste, which is why they often dig in their litter box beforehand and then cover it up afterwards.  Be good to your cat and change their litter boxes often.  Clean your cat’s litter box frequently, at least once per week.  Your cat will be happier for it and you will also enjoy a better smelling dwelling.  One symptom that you are not cleaning your cat’s litter often enough is when you cat starts to eliminate in other places.  You don’t want this because cat urine is extremely potent and will just hang around.

Cat Care
Cat Care

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