Feeding and Training a Cat

Semi-moist foods are usually less expensive because they contain
some vegetable protein and are usually supplemented with
nutrients to make them nutritionally complete, especially for
growing kittens.

Dry foods contain about 10 percent water and less fat and
protein then semi-moist foods. Cats on dry diets should have
plenty of water available. Some cats on dry diets may develop
bladder problems. Milk, water, or gravy can be mixed with the
food to improve palatability and to ensure that the cat gets
adequate water intake. One may wish to feed canned foods
occasionally to help prevent bladder problems, get the cat used
to different types and textures of foods, and ensure tat the cat
gets a balanced diet. Dry foods do have the advantage of helping
to clean the teeth and prevent the buildup tartar.

The amount of food one gives depends on the cat’s age, weight,
breed, condition, and amount of activity it gets. Cats and young
kittens will not consume enough food in one meal to last 24
hours. Two meals are recommended and young kittens and females
that are pregnant or nursing require more frequent feedings.

Cats should never be given a diet of dog food because it
contains large amounts of cereals and vegetables. Because of
this, the cat may not get enough animal protein. Dog food also
lacks necessary amounts of vitamins A and B and some essential
fatty acids. Many times cats will be seen eating grass. The
exact reason for this is not known, but it may be an attempt to
increase roughage in the diet or to eliminate a hairball.

The amount of exercise a cat needs varies considerably depending
on the on the breed and where its home is. A cat living in a
city apartment may get very little exercise, whereas one living
in rural areas may be allowed to runs free. Apartment cats may
need to be furnished with toys, cardboard tubes, or other play
equipment to provide them with means to exercise Owners of
valuable purebred or snow cats may not want their animals to run
free where they risk injury, loss, or unwanted litters. Outdoor
cats get plenty exercise however, they run a greater risk of
injury from fights, of death or injury of the roadways, and of
contacting diseases and parasites. Cats living in indoors should
have clean litter box and plenty of water. Owners should be
aware of plants that are poisonous to their pets and other
dangers if the cat is left alone for long periods of time. To
protect the furniture, cats should be trained to use a
scratching post. Cats scratch to sharpen their claws, to
remove loose scales and fragments of dry skin, and to leave a
mark for other cats. Kittens should be trained to use a
scratching post as soon as they are weaned. The kitten should be
held by the scratching post and its claws placed on the post.
The kitten will soon learn what to do and will usually come to
the same post a cloth covered post may offer the cat an
alternative to clawing on soft furniture and draperies.

Correct toilet training is easier with cats than with dogs
because cats naturally cover their urine and feces. If a mother
cat does a good job of raising her litter, she will probably
train them to use a litter box. If a kitten does not know what
the litter box if for, can train it easily. Holding it front
paws, the owner should show it how to scratch the litter
material. Every time the kitten appears to be looking for a
place to urinate or defecate, it should be placed in the litter
box.

Urine spraying is a natural part of a cat’s behavior. The male
cat will spray walls and furniture to mark its territory. If one
can catch the cat in act spray it with a water pistol. Another
alterative to try is to hang aluminum foil around the spraying
areas. Also, one can try feeding the cat in the target areas,
because cats will usually not spray near feeding areas.

Some cats can be trained to sit, beg, jump, through hoops, and
do other tricks. Training should be similar periods, firm verbal
commands, and instant rewards. Whether a cat learns any tricks
depends on its intelligence and whether it wants to oblige. In
any case, training should not be forced on a cat that does not
appear interested.