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Proper Cat Care-Basic Feline Care
Although they are more independent creatures than dogs, cats still need your love and attention. A happy cat
needs at a minimum: food, water, litter box, health care, scratching posts, and playtime. Here's how to provide
for your happy cat:
Where to get a
cat
Thousands of cats and kittens are turned into shelters throughout the year, and are readily
available for adoption. Cat clubs put on shows where the public can meet breeders and get
acquainted with different breeds. Independent rescue groups also offer cats for adoption.
Indoor or
Outdoor?
Decide whether your cat will be indoors all the time, or a mixture of indoors/outdoors. A cat
outdoors does not live very long, especially in rural areas where cats are preyed upon by
coyotes. Even in the city, an outdoor cat runs the risk of being hit by cars and other perils. To
ensure a long healthy life, plan to keep your cat indoors.
Cats that disappear may be in a shelter. Less than 10% of stray cats are redeemed by their
owners. A microchip is the best insurance that you will get your wandering kitty back. Your
vet implants the chip between the cat's shoulder blades, and you register the number with a
national registry, the microchip company or local animal control. A collar and id tag, or license
if it is required in your area, means anyone who finds your cat will know how to locate you.
Feeding Cats do nicely on a diet of a high quality dry, complete cat food. All major brands of cat food
are tested according to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards.
Extensive analysis of foods has been done to ensure your cat gets the correct balance of
nutrients for his needs. You can also treat your cats to a little canned food in addition to the
dry. If left out, it dries up and the cat won't eat it, so small amounts are best in a separate
dish.
Cats need fresh water. Change water daily!
Cats love to nibble on fresh greens. If they are indoors-only cats, that means your
houseplants! Provide Kitty with some live Pet Grass (PETCO offers Care Sheets regarding
this topic)
Litter box The one important thing you can do to keep your cat happy is to take extra care with his litter
box. Cats need a routine, and sometimes react to any changes by refusing to use their box.
Place the litter box where your cat is not likely to be disturbed while using it. Scoop every day.
A dirty box is the number one cause of cats refusing to use the litter box. Don't put it near his
food because cats are very clean and don't want to eliminate where they eat. If your cat isn't
using his box, there may be many reasons. (PETCO offers Care Sheets regarding this topic)
Equipment
Needed
Food bowl
Water bowl
Cat food
Treats
Scratching post
Flea control product
Litter Box
Bed
Kitty litter
Litter scoop
Litter box deodorizer
Litter box liners
Collar
Feline toothbrush and
toothpaste
ID tag
Microchip (from your vet)
License (if required in
your area)
Toys
Grooming glove or brush
Comb (for long-haired
cats)
Nail clippers
Cat carrier
Cat door (optional)
Although they are more independent creatures than dogs, cats still need your love and attention. A happy cat
needs at a minimum: food, water, litter box, health care, scratching posts, and playtime. Here's how to provide
for your happy cat:
Where to get a
cat
Thousands of cats and kittens are turned into shelters throughout the year, and are readily
available for adoption. Cat clubs put on shows where the public can meet breeders and get
acquainted with different breeds. Independent rescue groups also offer cats for adoption.
Indoor or
Outdoor?
Decide whether your cat will be indoors all the time, or a mixture of indoors/outdoors. A cat
outdoors does not live very long, especially in rural areas where cats are preyed upon by
coyotes. Even in the city, an outdoor cat runs the risk of being hit by cars and other perils. To
ensure a long healthy life, plan to keep your cat indoors.
Cats that disappear may be in a shelter. Less than 10% of stray cats are redeemed by their
owners. A microchip is the best insurance that you will get your wandering kitty back. Your
vet implants the chip between the cat's shoulder blades, and you register the number with a
national registry, the microchip company or local animal control. A collar and id tag, or license
if it is required in your area, means anyone who finds your cat will know how to locate you.
Feeding Cats do nicely on a diet of a high quality dry, complete cat food. All major brands of cat food
are tested according to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards.
Extensive analysis of foods has been done to ensure your cat gets the correct balance of
nutrients for his needs. You can also treat your cats to a little canned food in addition to the
dry. If left out, it dries up and the cat won't eat it, so small amounts are best in a separate
dish.
Cats need fresh water. Change water daily!
Cats love to nibble on fresh greens. If they are indoors-only cats, that means your
houseplants! Provide Kitty with some live Pet Grass (PETCO offers Care Sheets regarding
this topic)
Litter box The one important thing you can do to keep your cat happy is to take extra care with his litter
box. Cats need a routine, and sometimes react to any changes by refusing to use their box.
Place the litter box where your cat is not likely to be disturbed while using it. Scoop every day.
A dirty box is the number one cause of cats refusing to use the litter box. Don't put it near his
food because cats are very clean and don't want to eliminate where they eat. If your cat isn't
using his box, there may be many reasons. (PETCO offers Care Sheets regarding this topic)
Equipment
Needed
Food bowl
Water bowl
Cat food
Treats
Scratching post
Flea control product
Litter Box
Bed
Kitty litter
Litter scoop
Litter box deodorizer
Litter box liners
Collar
Feline toothbrush and
toothpaste
ID tag
Microchip (from your vet)
License (if required in
your area)
Toys
Grooming glove or brush
Comb (for long-haired
cats)
Nail clippers
Cat carrier
Cat door (optional)
