Tips for Caring Your Cat

Generally, cats are easier to care for than dogs, but that doesn’t mean you can just set a kitty loose in your home and never do a thing for it. In order to keep a pet cat as healthy and happy as possible, follow these tips:

1. Feed Your Cat Regularly. Adult cats should be fed two times per day. Most people do so when they eat breakfast and dinner themselves to make things easier. Kittens need to eat more often. Up until the age of 3 months, most kitties need four meals per day. You can then cut back to 3 until he or she reaches 6 to 8 months. Your vet can give you specific advice about how many daily feedings your cat needs.

2. Refresh the Water. Cats should always have access to drinking water in their bowls. Some cats won’t drink water that has been standing for awhile, so make sure to empty the bowl and refill it whenever you feed your cat.

3. Visit the Vet. When you first bring a new kitten or cat home, you should schedule a visit to the vet for a check-up and shots. After that, your cat will likely need to visit the vet every 6 months to a year for boosters and exams.

4. Brush Your Cat Regularly. While your kitty will give himself or herself baths, cats’ fur can become matted. Brushing your cat daily or every other day will help to prevent this problem and reduce the risk of your cat throwing up hairballs.

5. Give Your Cat Something to Scratch. Cats have a natural instinct to sharpen their claws. Invest in a scratching post or scratch pad to give your cat something of his or her very own to claw at. Otherwise, he or she is likely to use the furniture instead.