Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained,
he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter,
regular veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these
ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding
relationship with your feline companion.
- Outfit your
cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and
telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a
chance your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases
the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.
- Follow local
cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and
identification system administered by some local governments, protects
both cats and people in the community.
- Keep your cat
indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is
best for you, your pet, and your community.
- Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If
you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a
pet-owning friend for a referral.
- Spay or
neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will
reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.
- Give your cat
a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water.
Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
- Train your
cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture
and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief,
cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding
on your part.
- Groom your
cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny.
Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to
prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be
groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom
themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to
hairballs.
- Set aside
time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the
same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions
with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental
stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.
- Be loyal to
and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you
have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast
majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with
your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter
for advice.
