How to Care for Cats

Feeding:

     Like most animals, in order to stay healthy, cats must eat a balanced diet. The ASPCA recommends that cats are fed high-quality, brand-name cat or kitten food. Make sure to ask your veterinarian about what diet is best for your cat. Age, activity level, and health determine how much a cat should eat. You also need to provide fresh, clean water at all times as well as wash and refill your cat's water bowls daily.

     While you may want to give your cats treats, make sure that they do not consist of over 5-10% of their diet. 

     Some feed baby food to cats who are not feeling well or refusing food, but make sure to read labels carefully for any ingredients that may make your cat sick. 

 

Some foods to NEVER give your cat are...

  • Chocolate
  • Avocados
  • Garlic and onions
  • Grapes
  • Coffee
  • Yeast dough

See the full list here.

 

     Never give your cat medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426- 4435. 

 

Grooming:

     While cats generally stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, you should still brush and comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat's coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding, and cuts down on hairballs. 

 

Handling:

     To pick up a cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Make sure to never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs. 

 

Housing:

      Your pet should have their own clean dry place in your home to sleep and rest. Your cat's bed should be lined with a soft, warm blanket or towel. Make sure to wash the bedding often. 

     Also make sure to keep your cats indoors. Outdoor cats don't live as long as indoor cats and are at risk of trauma from cars, fights with other cats, raccoons, and free-roaming dogs. Coyotes are also known to eat cats and outdoor cats are more likely to become infested with fleas or ticks, as well as contracting infectious diseases. 

 

Identification:

 

     If your cat is allowed outdoors, they must wear a safety collar and an ID tag. A safety collar with an elastic panel allows cats to break loose if it gets caught on anything. An ID tag or implanted microchip helps ensure that both indoor and outdoor cats are returned if they become lost. 

 

Health:

     Your cat should see a veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and annual shots and immediately if they are sick or injured.  

 

     Also, female cats should be spayed and male cats should be neutered by five months of age. 

 

Litter Box: 

        Indoor cats all need litter boxes. Most indoor cats will be able to understand how to use a litter box quickly and will need little to no training. If your cat refuses to use a litter box it is suggested that you see a vet. Refill the litter box with litter at least once a week and do not use scented cleaners as it can be bad for your cat. A cat will not use a dirty litter box so cleaning out any waste inside the litter box at the end of the day is advised.

     Litter boxes should be in a quiet, accessible location. If your home has multiple stories, you should place one box per floor. Do not move the box unless absolutely necessary. If it is required only move the box a few inches per day. 

 

Scratching:

     Cats need to scratch! Scratching allows the old outer nail sheath to be pulled of and the sharp smooth claws underneath be exposed. Cutting your cats nails will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm people or furniture. 

     You should give your cat a sturdy scratching post at least 3 feet high. It must be stable so it won't wobble and should be covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap, or tree bark. Many cats also like scratching pads. 

 

Bonding:

     Playing with your cat regularly can help you bond with your cat and help their physical health. Giving your cat toys also helps to lead them away from other items in your house . Scratching posts and cat trees are suggested, because it is better than scratching furniture around the house! Cats need to bond with their owners, although they are more independent than other pets.

 

Supply Checklist:

  •  Food & water bowls
  • Treats
  • Litter box
  • Cat Litter
  • Collar
  • ID tag saying...
    • Cat's name
    • Your address
    • Your phone number
  • Cat toys

 


References