Although cats are generally intelligent and independent animals, they also require a significant amount of care and attention when it comes to their daily needs. Pet cats are generally more meticulously clean than other types of pets as they have the ability to cleanse themselves on a regular basis. But more than keeping them clean, there are other caring tasks that would require cat owner’s time and attention.
Here are a few important tips on how to make sure that your cat is well taken-cared of.
Cat food
An owner needs to make sure kitty gets enough nutrients to supply her with the energy she needs to be an active pet. As she grows, her nutritional needs continue to change with her. Also like humans, cats need a well-balanced diet which includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats as well as the essential vitamins and minerals. Some cat food claim to provide all these required nutrients but an owner may also supplement it with an occasional addition of table food. But of course it is still good to seek your vet’s advice when it comes to feeding as one cat’s need may differ from another’s.
Sleeping
Having a good place for your beloved pet to sleep is also important for her well-being. Although cats are not known to be too picky when it comes to their slumber abode, fixing up a special place for her can relax her even more. If you want her to stay inside a house, a padded box or basket can serve as her bed. Give her a corner of the house so she’ll know she indeed has her own place. An outdoor cat would need a shelter of her own that can protect her from the rain. It should be big enough for her, her toys, her litter-box and her feeding items.
Cat grooming and hygiene
Grooming is a requisite for indoor cats as a furry pet can easily become a haven for fleas and ticks that can be dangerous for you and your kids. Your cat should be brushed and bathe regularly to ensure that she is visually and absolutely clean.
Generally, cat grooming is one thing that both owner and pet can enjoy together. Choose a good time of the day for grooming when cat is in slumber mode, not yet asleep but not in the mood for play. Place a newspaper or any scratch paper on your lap and buddle your pet towards you. Once your cat is settled, start brushing her from head to tail. Inspect ears, between toes and other crevices where ticks and fleas may hide. Remove ticks and pests with a pair of tweezers. Use ointments and antibiotics prescribed by your vet for any skin inflammation you may find. You may also cut your pet’s nails with a pair of pet nail clippers. Be careful not to injure your cat by cutting too close to her nail veins which may cause her to bleed. Throw away the newspaper padding after your grooming session.
After grooming and nail cutting, you can proceed with bathing which can be a very challenging task as cats generally do not like water. You may start bathing away from the tub using a warm wash rag with shampoo. Beginning with the head, eyes and ears, move to the body using anti-flee shampoo. Use swabs to reach the insides of the ears. Once shampooed, you may place your pet to the wash basin hind first. Massage the shampoo into your cat and rise thoroughly using hose. Dry cat on the floor on a towel and use a blower on medium heat to dry her fur.
Cat safety and health
Keep a pet-safe house by covering exposed plugs and arranging electrical cords properly. Make sure that your cat also gets her proper dose of heartworm pill every year. Cats teeth also needs brushing at least twice a week. And lastly, make sure that you get your cat checked up by her veterinary at least once a year.
