Seven Important Cat Care Tips

Congratulations! You have just become the proud parent of a sweet kitten or cat! Check this list of important cat care items and use this as a guide on caring for your new furry family addition!

Stylish Collar and ID Tags

Cats are notorious for giving their human counterparts the slip! Even if you take great pains to make your sweet little kitten happy and comfortable as an indoor cat, the little feline may make a mad dash for the door at any time. If the great escape does happen, make sure that you have outfitted your cat or kitten with a collar and ID tags. There are many sites online that you can check out if you like to shop online. Here are some you can peruse to find your cat just the right collar: http://giftsforpaws.com, http://www.catsplay.com, and http://www.meowhoo.com.

Licensing and Registering

Check with the animal licensing regulations in your city to determine if your new cat or kitten needs to be licensed and registered. If so, remember that these regulations help both you and your cat.

Check-Ups

It is very important that you take your new cat or kitten to the veterinarian for a check-up. If you do not know of a good vet to go to, the local animal shelter will be able to provide you with some referrals. Cats need to have regular check-ups and important shots to stay healthy, so regular veterinary check-ups are important.

Spay or Neuter

Spaying or neutering your cat will them live longer and healthier lives. Neutering cats will also help prevent them from spraying and marking territory. Female cats can go into heat 3 times a year. Cats will be nervous, upset, and cry incessantly during this time. Male cats tend to run away more often while in heat, and also are prone to getting in fights. The local animal shelter may provide discounted spaying and neutering, or give you names of animal clinics that provide free or discounted services.

Feed a Healthy Diet

Obesity can be a common problem with cats. Check with your veterinarian on the best weight for your cat, and adjust the diet as needed. It is always advisable to try and buy the highest quality cat food your budget will allow. Get advice and suggestions on brands from your vet. Cats can get tired of the same diet everyday, so try and change flavors every so often. Table food is not a healthy alternative to nutritionally balanced cat food, so try and avoid the temptation to share your meals with your cat or kitten. Cats do need meat as meat provides essential metabolites; so don't put your cat on a no meat or limited meat diet. Always check with your veterinarian on diet issues for your cat.

Play Time is Important

Remember to make time to play with your feline companion. Your cat or kitten needs the activity and stimulation playtime provides. It is also a time for bonding between you and your cat. Don't be surprised if your little companion bestows love in the form of purrs and jumping on you and lovingly kneading you with his paws after a play session.

Grooming

While cats are known to be very careful self-groomers, they are also known to ingest hair while doing their grooming. So it is a good idea for you to brush your cat or kitten's fur, whether long or short, to help prevent your cat from swallowing loose hair which can lead to the formation of hairballs.

Your new companion likes to give the aura of independence and aloofness. Don't be fooled. Cats and kittens need lots of love, attention, and care. Taking care of your cat will develop into a rewarding relationship full of love and loyalty.