Cats are low maintenance pets when compared to many other
domestic pets. They are also attention seekers. They like to get
lots of affection from their owners. If all the family members
work full time, another cat should be brought in the family so
as to provide company for the first one. Especially, young cats
should not be left alone for long periods as that will affect
the psychological growth of animal. Cats can also get bored
easily. They always want a companion to play with.
Cats should be left outside. They are very inquisitive by nature
and like to wander outdoors. Cats, which are kept indoors,
develop obesity and tend to eat more out of boredom. But
according to a research, cats that are kept indoors all their
life have a longer life span. This is because they are not at
all exposed to germs, dogs, cars, or other cats, which can harm
them when living in wild habitat. Cats shouldn’t be let out
unsupervised. Before doing so, the dangers should be evaluated.
Some cats even go into the neighbor’s plot and dig out soil or
flowerpots. They can even litter and the owner can be fined for
that.
Cats that are allowed outside frequently should be checked
regularly for any injuries or scratches. They can even receive
bites from stray cats, if they get into a fight. The injuries
should be treated immediately otherwise the infection can spread
to other areas of the body and become dangerous. Cats, which
have been declawed or have some kind of disability, should never
be allowed to go outside alone. An individual should always
accompany the cat, since they have lost their weapons of natural
defense, they cannot protect themselves in case of an attack.
Cats are carnivorous and need high amount of proteins that too
from meat. Commercial food is available in the market, which can
be given to the cat, with consultation from a veterinary. There
are many diets designed for them depending on the needs of the
individual cat. Along with food, water should be available to
them all the time. Cats that have long hair need to be groomed
everyday to avoid the hair getting matted. Cats with short hair
can be brushed once a week to remove shedding hair.
Before a cat is bought as pet, they should be vaccinated and
neutered. Cats that aren’t neutered show some behavioral
problems. Cats that are weaned are the best choice. But cats
that are as young as one day or one month old should be cared
off otherwise their health will be endangered. The young ones
need to be fed every four hours and should be kept warm. Cats
whether big or small are fond of warmth and that is the reason
why they cuddle up and sleep.
The kitten must be taken to the vet when it turns two weeks old.
They should be given their first shots and even checked for
parasites. Booster shots should be given to them from time to
time. Litter box training can be given to them when they grow
two weeks old, because young cats learn really fast and easily.
A small box can be filled with litter at first. Whenever the
kitten starts scratching the surface, it can be left in the box
and that is how it will understand that it has to use the litter
box when nature call comes.
A problem for many of the cat owners is that they scratch the
furniture around the house. They do it to sharpen their claws
and they even react to the owner’s scent coming from the
furniture. The cats, which are made to stay indoors most of the
times, develop this problem as the cats which live outdoors most
of the time can claw on tree bark, fence, etc. Cats that have
this problem can be provided with a scratching post or even with
a log of wood. Cats get really attached to the family members.
The more it is fondled and played with, the easier it is train,
put in crate, give medicines, etc.