Basic Cat Care Guidelines
Cats are pretty hardy creatures and independent too. They do require some human intervention in order to live in
harmony and relatively good health. Cats need several items in order to survive in your home. Knowing what these needs are
can bring peace to your home and a happy cat means a happy human.
The cat has very specific dietary needs. Your vet can help you to understand what the dietary needs is for your cat's
age and physical shape. Cats need protein to be healthy. They can also eat vegetables, and grains. A cat craves meat, but
will also enjoy a little vegetable broth mixed in with their food. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep your cat away from
houseplants.
Cats need to eat on a regular basis,
going for as much as 36 hours without food will cause serious liver problems.
Cats need to be protected from rabies, feline distemper, an heart worms and also feline leukemia. There are also
special immunizations for flea management should your cat be allergic to fleas. There are also immunizations for respiratory
infections.
Feral cats or cats kept outdoors will
always run the risk of being injured, of becoming ill due to the weather or from environmental factors or from theft. It is
best to bring your cat indoors during inclement weather or during the winter months. Cats love spending time outdoors and
even the most domesticated cat will enjoy some time out in the sunshine.
Cats are very territorial and will fight other cats to protect what they view as their territory. It is important
to be careful when you introduce another pet to the home of a cat. If you have a female cat and a male cat and the female
has kittens it is best to separate the mom and kittens until the kittens are weaned.
Indoor cats do not receive the same amount of natural exercise that outdoor cats get from hunting and playing in
nature so indoor cats need the stimulation and opportunity for exercise that playing with humans give it. Indoor cats also
have emotional needs that are met by the pet owner.
When cats are not getting the emotional needs attended to
will act out such as defecating outside of the litter box and behaving in other insecure manners.
A cat requires not just food and water but cat toys, a human playmate, vet attention,
immunizations, a collar with ID tag, a litter box for each cat family member, and grooming tools such as a brush and comb.
A cat needs to be exercised through play or by having playtime with other animals or with humans.
Cats need grooming. A cat with long hair should be brushed at least 3 times a week
and a short haired cat should be brushed at least once a week.
A cat requires proper food including protein and
fresh water each day served in a clean bowl.
