Five Things Cats Must Have

Cats are among the most popular animals as pets for people of all ages. If you can take care of the 5 things a cat needs, you will have a good friend you can talk to about anything in the world. Cats can talk back, not with words, of course, but by watching his face, and how he moves, you will be able to understand what your cat is saying to you.

To help your cat live a long and healthy life, you will need to take care of him. It is fairly simple, and will just take a few minutes a day.

Cats need Water: Cats must have fresh, clean water at all times. You can start with a small bowl that holds about a cup of water. If the cat drinks all the water during the day, you need to get a larger bowl. Be sure to keep an eye on the water dish until you and your cat have picked the right size.

Cats need Food: Kittens need milk, but cats do not. If your cat looks more like a cat than a kitten, do not feed her any milk. Another way to tell when your cat no longer needs milk is from her litter box. If the litter stinks after one use, then it is time to stop giving milk and to only give her cat food. Your cat will let you know how much food she needs. You will have to watch her for the first few days. Start with giving her about a cup of dry cat food in a bowl in the morning. Be sure to place the bowl near her water so she can find it. If she eats everything in the bowl before bedtime, you may want to give her a bit more. Dry cat food can be left out so she can snack whenever she wants.

Canned cat food should only be left out for a short time. It spoils rapidly, especially in a warm house, so leave the canned cat food down for about half an hour before picking up the dish and cleaning it. You can feed her again at night when you are having your supper. This will help to train her that her food is hers and yours is yours. Cats love treats for your plate, but they are not good for her and can actually make her sick.

Cats need a Litter box: A cat that stays in the house needs a place to go to the bathroom. A litter box should be large enough that she can turn around in it easily and have sides high enough so the litter stays in the box and does not get scattered everywhere. Like people, cats like privacy when they have to tend to their business, so set the litter box in a quiet area where she can get to it if she needs to. Also, you may want to get a lid for the litter box. The litter box actually looks like a dog house with a cat door so that she has complete privacy when she goes in.

Be sure to change the litter daily. By keeping the litter clean, your cat will stay healthier and will use the litter box rather than your closet for a bathroom. If you are using a scoopable litter, scoop out all of the piles every day. Keep enough litter in the box so that it about two to three inches deep. Completely change the litter about once a week and replace with new litter.

Cats need Entertainment: Cats get bored easily. Be sure to leave him some toys out and things to do when you are away at school. If your cat gets bored, he will be more likely to get into trouble. Keep in mind that cats like to hunt and pounce. Cats like balls, things that dangle from a string, and to look out of a window to watch for you to come home. They also like things like a paper sack or box they can dive in and out of. Use your imagination to find ways your cat can keep himself entertained, and out of trouble, while you are gone.

Cats need Love: The most important thing a cat needs is love. Cats may seem to not be as friendly as a dog, but that is not true. Cats love to cuddle and to be petted. One thing to keep in mind though, is a cat will come to you when he wants to play. They are not like dogs that thrive on attention. A cat picks and chooses his time to play and for displaying affection. By watching your cat, you will learn when he is in the mood for a game or when he wants to cuddle up for a nap, and even when he just wants to be left alone.

If you can learn to talk to your cat, and to listen to her, you will find you have a wonderful new friend who will be there whenever you want her.