Cats are independent creatures but they still
appreciate company. If you work long hours, that doesn't mean you
shouldn't get a cat but you might want to get two if this is the case,
since they will play with, and amuse, one another when you are away.
Below are a few tips from our
Cat Owners Manual.
Is a Cat the Right Pet for You?
Cats like privacy on occasion so make sure there is a high shelf or
similar place they can go to get away from it all. Cats are usually
fine with small children, although small children often don't have the
maturity to handle a kitten under four months. Cats do vary in type and
personality so if you have a noisy, busy household, you might choose a
different type than if you have a quiet house. You can tell a lot about
a cat's personality when you first see her, whether she seems shy or
playful for example. Young kittens tend to be boisterous and older cats
tend to be more relaxed. You can also choose from long-haired or
short-haired varieties. Knowing how to take care of a cat is very important to ensure your cat is happy and has everything she needs.
Cat Coat Care
No matter whether your cat is long-haired, short-haired or in between,
you will need a cat brush. This is to remove loose fur which can result
in hairballs if your cat ingests it and to remove any external
parasites or ticks. Your cat's fur length and habits determine how
often brushing is required. Some cats love to roll in the mud and dirt
and any cat owners manual will tell you that this can cause matting if
you don't brush her frequently.
Feeding Your Cat
Some cats like wet food, some like dry food and others like both. No
matter which type of food your cat likes, it is imperative to leave a
bowl of fresh water accessible to her at all times. Knowing how to take
care of a cat includes knowing how to feed her. Cats need various
amounts of food, depending on their age, activity level and whether
they are pregnant or lactating.
Most cans and dry food packets give instructions on how much to give
your cat. If your cat is overweight, you might need to switch to a
low-calorie cat food or feed her less. If she is skinny and more food
does not solve this problem, it is likely that she has worms. Take her
to the veterinarian to find out for sure. If you see small white blobs
around her anus, this is almost certainly worms and you will need to
get medicine for this.
Cat Play
There are few sights more heartwarming and entertaining than a couple
of small kittens playing with one another. Cats love toys and if you
are on a limited budget you can make sure. Try rolling some tinfoil
into a ball �" cats love this toy. Alternatively drag a shoelace or
piece of rope in front of your cat. Expensive cat toys are usually
false economy since many cats will ignore the toy and play with the box
it came in!
Knowing how to take care of a cat is the first step. Learning along the
way and showing your cat love are the other steps. You might consult a Cat Owners Manual
or you might prefer to use the internet or question your veterinarian
if any questions arise. You will get to know your cat's personality
�" when she is sad, when she is happy, when she is annoyed etc �"
and learn plenty more about your new, fluffy friend along the way.
