Given the differences between humans and felines, it's amazing that we get along the way we do. These cat care tips deal with subjects such as preventing litter box problems and letting your cat act on her instincts. Following these tips will help you and your kitty to better bond and enjoy your lives together.
1. Handling your cat - start handling your cat often when she's a kitten, and chances are good she'll better accept it when a stranger has to do so (like the vet). It will make it easier later in life when she needs her claws trimmed, or has to be examined. Of course, some cats just don't like to be picked up no matter what, but this can help.
2. Give your kitty an exam - weekly (or more often) grooming sessions can be used to examine your cat for health issues. Check your cat for ear mites, fleas, and signs of injury, swelling, or pain, swelling, or injury. Examine your cat's gums and teeth, eyes, ears, skin, and extremities for obvious problems.
3. Provide a window seat - domestic cats love warmth so much that they've been known to singe their fur on hot stoves. Cats love to sunbathe, so set up a nice comfortable bed for your cat by a window so she can have her place in the sun.
4. Indoor cats have more fun - indoor cats tend to get more attention and they live longer. Every major cat advocate organization recommends keeping your cat indoors for longer life, safety, and better health. Cats can live out a happy, healthy life indoors. With your help, they get the exercise they need, and survey their territory from a nice spot in front of the window.
5. Your cat wants to hunt, so let her - no, I'm not saying to let your cat hunt rats. Instead, bring out the hunting instincts in your cat by spreading some treats around the house. This will make feeding time a bit more fun. One of my cats likes it when you toss dry food bits and let her chase them down. Try it.
6. More litter boxes - the one plus one rule says there should be one box for each cat in the house plus one more. That way, there's always a fresh, available box to use when she needs it. Some cats simply don't like using a box that was recently used, even if they were the one to use it.
7. Clean the box morning and night - clean the litter box twice a day and change out the litter completely every few weeks. When you do, thoroughly clean the box and disinfect it with bleach. Keep the box sparkling clean, and this will help prevent any possible cat litter box problems that might arise.
8. Cat play - play games with your cat on a regular basis. Play fetch, or dangle toys for your cat. Get your cat exercising every day and you'll help lower risks of diabetes, heart conditions, and other diseases. I highly recommend you chase your cat around the house whenever you can.
9. Provide interesting cat toys - rotate the cat toys so that you keep it interesting, but always leave your cat's favorites accessible. With most cat toys, however, you should not leave your cat unsupervised as injury can occur. Also, a belt or a shoe lace, if used safely, can make a great interactive toy and provide exercise for your cat, and fun for both of you.
10. Get your cat a feline friend - every cat lover knows that two cats are better than one. When you can't pay attention to your cat, a playmate in the house will. A second cat around the house will help to stave off boredom, encourage exercise, and offer comfort. Bored kitties are prime candidates for behavior problems, and are more likely to cause mischief.
Encouraging your cat to exercise will keep her in shape, and encouraging her instincts will make her better adjusted family member. More touching will bring you closer and make your cat more social. Keeping your cat indoors will keep her safe. The cat care tips concerning the litter box will save you some possible headache. Preventing boredom will keep her happy, and keep both of you out of trouble.
