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Browse Articles in Cat Care
Congratulations on bringing home a new feline friend! Once you get over the excitement of your bundle of furry joy, it's time to learn all you can about caring for your cat. After all, you want to ensure you both have a long, happy life together and this means providing proper nutrition, grooming, health care, and enrichment.
Cat Food
What should you feed your kitty, and how much? There are so many choices on the market today that picking the best choices can be very confusing to a new cat owner.
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If you're not sure about commercial diets, you can even make your own.
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There are even dietary options for cats with diabetes, sensitive stomachs, or seniors that have different nutritional needs.
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The type of cat treats you feed are also an important part of their diet!
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A cat's water intake is also critical for their continual health, and you can learn some tips on how to make sure they are always well hydrated.
Cat Grooming
Whether your cat is a short, medium, or longhaired cat, you'll need to make sure their fur is taken care of on a regular basis to prevent matting and vomiting hairballs. Even hairless cats have specific grooming requirements to keep their skin healthy. All cats can suffer from dry skin, which can lead to dandruff and other health problems. Learning how to spot the signs of skin and grooming problems and using natural supplements like coconut oil can keep your feline comfortable.
A Cat's Behavioral Needs
One thing all cat lovers can agree on is that our feline companions can be quirky, sensitive animals who thrive when their instinctual needs are met. Making sure that your cat receives mental and physical enrichment can keep future behavior problems like refusing to use the litter box or inter-cat aggression from occurring. Important considerations include:
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Should you have a cat that only stays indoors or allow them outside despite many potential dangers including disease and attacks from other animals?
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Do you have enough scratching posts around your home to keep your cat occupied and directed away from your furniture?
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Cats have an instinctual need to climb, and cat trees and window perches can keep them exercised and stimulated. They're also crucial in homes with more than one cat.
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You'll need plenty of toys as cats, especially kittens, love playing with toys and this is an excellent way to build your bond with your cat.
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Where will your cat sleep? Since cats can sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, you need to be sure to pick out the best bed for your kitty's needs.
Cat Health Problems
Cats can suffer from many health problems including infectious diseases, respiratory problems, and parasites. A responsible cat owner should at a minimum be aware of common cat health concerns and understand when to visit a veterinarian for assistance. Whether it's caring for newborn kittens or comforting an elderly cat, knowing about your cat's physical needs can help prolong their lifespan.
Caring for Your Cat
There's so much to know about proper care of a cat! The more knowledge you have about what makes your cat "tick", the better equipped you'll be to take care of any issues that arise during your long and happy life together with your feline pal.