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Caring
for Your Cat:
- Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag
and micro chip, that includes your (not the animals) name, address,
and telephone number. No matter how
careful you are, there's a chance your companion may slip out the
door—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be
returned home safely. For collars use brake-away collars only, that
greatly reduces the risk of your cat getting hung up on fences or
bushes which often cost them their lives.
- Follow local cat registration laws.
Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by
some local governments, protects both cats and people in the
community.
- Keep your cat indoors.
Keeping your cat
safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your
community. Provide a safe, completely fenced in out door run so
your cat can enjoy fresh air and sunshine in safety.
- Take your cat to the veterinarian for
regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your
local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral. Don't
forget regular dentals, cats have teeth just like we do.
Infected teeth and gums cause kidney and liver disease and a lot of
pain, even though, your cat may not complain, they often suffer
quietly.
- Spay or neuter your pet.
This will keep
her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.
- Give your cat a nutritionally balanced
diet, including constant access to fresh water.
Ask your
veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
Filtered water helps reduce Feline urinary tract problems.
- Train your cat to refrain from undesirable
behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops.
Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of
patience, effort, and understanding on your part. Get a tall enough scratching
post, so that an adult cat can stretch her full length.
- Groom your cat often to keep her coat
healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to
brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even
short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair
as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of
hair, which often leads to hairballs.
- Set aside time to play with your cat.
While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do,
enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the
physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as
strengthen the bond you share.
- Be loyal to and patient with your cat.
Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable
and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be
solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your
veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out the
HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.
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