Timeless Tips On How To Take Care Of A Cat

Cats make truly magical pets. Each one has her own personality, as any cat lover will tell you. If you want to know how to take care of a cat, read on for some tips.

Cat Care Basics

Before you get your cat, there are a few things you will need to get. You will need cat food, a litter box and litter, some toys, bowls for food and water and a cat brush. A lot of people think cats are independent creatures and, in a way, they are. But they still need care and love. They might not need to be walked and exercised, like dogs, but there are still plenty of ways in which they need to be looked after by you.

The most important thing to give a cat is love. Cats are very loving and loyal creatures and there are not many things as relaxing as having a happy, purring cat on your lap. They appreciate you taking the time to play with them, they appreciate being stroked, they appreciate being fed and they appreciate a warm, comfortable place to sleep.

Feeding a Cat

Kitten need small, frequent meals whereas older cats only need to be fed once or twice a day. How to take care of a cat where it comes to feeding is fairly straightforward. Most cat food has instructions on the packet or can about how much to feed, depending on your cat's age and weight. Most cats prefer canned food to dry food, but not all of them. Canned food is perhaps more aromatic, flavorful and palatable but it can also work out a lot more expensive. Canned food contains about 75% water. Whether your cat prefers canned food, dry food or a mixture of both, it is vital to leave a bowl of fresh water out at all times.

How Much Food Does My Cat Need?

A kitten will require between 2.5 and 3.5 oz of dry food per day or 7.3 to 10 oz of wet food a day. An adult cat needs between 2 and 4 oz of dry food or 5.7 to 10 oz of wet food per day, depending on activity levels and size. Pregnant and lactating cats need more. If a cat eats more than it needs, it carries the excess fat in the belly area. If your cat is chubby, feed her less or a low-calorie variety.

The Litter Box

Cats need a clean litter box which is large enough for them to turn around in comfortably. Litter comes in a variety of types, scented and unscented, fine grain or coarse and different cats have different preferences. If your cat starts urinating outside the litter box, this might indicate a urinary tract problem and you should take your cat to the veterinarian.

Spaying and Neutering

The decision of whether to spay or neuter your cat is yours to make but unless you want kittens and are sure you can house them, you should consider spaying or neutering your cat around four months of age, which is the earliest they come into season. There are many unwanted kittens which have to be put down every year so spaying or neutering is often the best option.

How to take care of a cat is relatively easy and straightforward if you know the basics. When you get a new cat, take her to the veterinarian for a check up. Also use this opportunity to ask your veterinarian any other cat-related questions you might have.

By: Thomas Kellerman

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