Cat Care Tips – 10 Things Your Cat Wants You To Know

Have you ever wondered how it is that beings that are so different, such as felines and humans, can develop such a strong bond? Following these cat care tips will help you and your kitty form an even stronger bond and better enjoy each other’s company. These tips cover subjects such as preventing litter box problems and bringing out your kitty’s hunting instincts.

1. Handling your cat – start handling your cat often when she’s a kitten, and chances are good she’ll better accept it when a stranger has to do so (like the vet). It will make it easier later in life when she needs her claws trimmed, or has to be examined. Of course, some cats just don’t like to be picked up no matter what, but this can help.

2. Give your kitty an exam – weekly (or more often) grooming sessions can be used to examine your cat for health issues. Check your cat for ear mites, fleas, and signs of injury, swelling, or pain, swelling, or injury. Examine your cat’s gums and teeth, eyes, ears, skin, and extremities for obvious problems.

3. Let your cat sunbathe – cats love heat. In fact, domestic cats love warmth so much that they’ve been known to singe their fur on a hot stove. Cats love to sunbathe, so provide a bed for your cat by a window so she can have her place in the sun.

4. Keep your cat indoors – every major cat care organization recommends keeping your cat indoors for safety, better health, and a longer life. Cats can live out a healthy life indoors, get the exercise they need, and survey their territory from a nice spot in front of the window.

5. Your cat wants to hunt, so let her – no, I’m not saying to let your cat hunt rats. Instead, bring out the hunting instincts in your cat by spreading some treats around the house. This will make feeding time a bit more fun. One of my cats likes it when you toss dry food bits and let her chase them down. Try it.

6. More litter boxes – the one plus one rule says there should be one box for each cat in the house plus one more. That way, there’s always a fresh, available box to use when she needs it. Some cats simply don’t like using a box that was recently used, even if they were the one to use it.

7. Clean the box morning and night – clean the litter box twice a day and change out the litter completely every few weeks. When you do, thoroughly clean the box and disinfect it with bleach. Keep the box sparkling clean, and this will help prevent any possible cat litter box problems that might arise.

8. Play with your cat often – dangle toys for your cat to play with, or have your cat teach you to play fetch. Chase your cat around the house whenever you can. Get your cat exercising every day and you’ll help lower risks of diabetes and other diseases.

9. Provide a variety of interesting cat toys – always leave your cat’s favorite toys accessible, but rotate the others to keep it interesting. You should not leave your cat unsupervised while playing with most toys, however, as injury can occur. Also, a shoe lace, belt, or rope, if used safely, can make a great interactive toy. Playing with toys provides exercise for your cat, and fun for both of you.

10. Get your cat a playmate – every cat lover knows that two cats are better than one. When you can’t pay attention to your cat, another cat in the house will. A second cat around the house will offer comfort, encourage exercise, and reduce boredom. Bored kitties are candidates for behavior problems, and are more likely to cause mischief.

Keeping your cat indoors will help keep her safe, and ensuring she exercises will keep her healthy. Nurturing your cat’s instincts, and paying more attention to her will make your kitty a better adjusted family member. The cat care tips concerning the litter box may prevent future headaches, and the health check is just a good habit for the two of you.