1O Tips on How to Keep You Cat Happy and Healthy

Never owned a cat before and don't know where to begin? Here are 10 tips on how to keep your cat happy and healthy.

1. Provide your cat with plenty of fresh water every day.

By ensuring that your cat has a couple of bowls of fresh water set around the house, you cat will be much more likely to actually drink enough water. Just remember that you only need one food dish. You don't want your cat to over-eat.

2. Ensure that your cat has all of his shots up to date.

While additional veterinary care may or may not be necessary for your cat (and it is up to you as to whether or not you want to have your cat de-clawed), you should make sure that your cat's shots are up to date. If may not be fun for you or the cat, but it will ensure that he or she has a long, happy, healthy life.

3. Give your cat lots of love and attention.

If kittens are given a lot of love and attention, they will grow up to be great pets. Just remember that they don't stop needing love and attention just because they aren't kittens anymore.

4. Mix up your cat's food.

While it is good to stick with your cat's favorite dry and canned food, it is also good to give your cat a little variety once in a while. You might want to give your cat a treat of canned food one day a week. Cats will let you know if they don't like what you have to offer.

5. Don't leave canned cat food out for longer than a couple of days.

Never leave canned (wet) cat food out for an extended period of time. He or she will get inevitably get sick.

6. Ensure that your cat gets plenty of exercise.

You can help your get enough exercise by taking 15-20 minutes to play. Manx cats love to chase balls (the ones with bells inside them), play with feathers, and catch small cloth mice. Be prepared. Many cats get a 15-20 minute burst of energy during the day. Just let them run their energy off.

7. Use a squirt bottle to teach your cat.

Never hit your cat. You can use a squirt bottle with water in order to train your cat. It is all that you need.

8. Expose your cat to people, especially kids.

If you don't expose your cat to other people, especially kids, when they are kittens, they might become scared and even bite.

9. Be careful when adding a new pet to your family.

If you plan on adding another cat or a dog to your family - and you already have a cat - you will want to slowly let the two get used to each other. Some cats are better with other pets than others.

10. Allow your cat to perch.

Cats love windows. They like to watch the trees, the street, squirrels, rabbits, and birds. If your windowsills aren't wide enough to accommodate your cat, you might want to consider purchasing a perch that attaches to the window. It is sure to become his or her new favorite spot.