Caring for You Cat

Cats are one of the most common household pets out there today. There are so many different types of cats available, from Persian to Siamese, that choosing the cat that is right for you is very important. Cats are now very well domesticated, and are relatively inexpensive to care for, but it must be done properly.

Before adopting or purchasing a cat, you will need to make sure that you can afford to take care of it. You will need the basics like food and water, but you will also need some things you might not have thought of. The following is a list of things you will need to purchase along with your cat:

Age specific cat food- adult food for older cats and kitten food for younger cats.

A litter box and litter- cats are often kept indoors and need a private place to do their business.

A food and water dish- this is necessary to hold your cat's food and water supply.

A scratching post- while it is not necessary for your cats survival, it may be for your furniture.

An ID tag and collar- if your cat ever gets lost, this will allow whoever finds him to know that he has a home, and where to return him.

A pet carrier- you will need this to safely transport your cat to and from the vets, and it can come in handy in other travels as well.

A bed- giving your cat his own place to sleep will help keep everyone comfortable.

Cat toys- these are also not necessary to your cat's survival, but can really keep him happy.

Cat treats- these are very handy for helping to train your cat.

The amount of food you need to purchase largely depends on the cat's age. If you have an older cat, he will likely require only two small feedings, or one large feeding each day. Kittens however will require several small feedings a day until they are about twelve weeks old. Kittens between three and six months will probably eat about three times a day. You must also decide if you want dry food or canned food. Dry food tends to be more cost efficient, and has benefits for cat's dental health that canned foods do not offer. Another convince of dry food is that it can be left out all day and night, for your cat to munch on as he chooses. Wet food has to be disposed of after being out for extended periods of time.

You need to be sure to feed a kitten only food specially designed for him. You need to be sure and keep his bowl clean also, as kittens are somewhat like babies, and more likely to get sick. Many cats and kittens alike enjoy the taste of cow's milk, but feeding it to them can cause diarrhea, so it is not recommended. You can use your treats as a reward for your cat, or as a daily snack, but refrain from giving him too many, as he can get fat.

Cats are mostly self cleaning animals, and do not need to be bathed very often. You will, however, need to brush them often. This reduces their risk of getting hairballs, and keeps their coat healthy and clean. You should make sure and clean his litter box often, as many cats will refuse to use a dirty litter box.

Even though a cat requires some work and dedication, they are often well worth it. They become members of the family in no time at all. Make sure to take good care of your cat, and your cat will become a life long friend. Do not make the decision to get a cat if you are not going to be dedicated to his well being. Cats deserve everything you have to offer, and more!