Some Simple Tips for Caring for Your Pet Cat

A cat is generally regarded as a low maintenance pet, however, low maintenance does not mean that they do not need to be cared for. Like any other pet, he or she will depend on you for attention, training, health care, food and a place to sleep.

Feeding Your Cat

As a general rule, cats prefer variety in their diet and this is considered by many to be a healthier option than feeding them the same dish every day. As well as providing them with dry food each day, you may want to add in moist tinned food once in a while. Keep in mind, however, that whilst dry cat food can easily be stored for several months, opened wet cat food is likely to spoil quite quickly, so always serve it within one or two days. Avoid giving your cat scraps from the table on a regular basis and never feed them bones, as these are a choking hazard.

Indoor Or Outdoor?

Regardless of whether you choose to keep your cat as an indoor or outdoor pet, pet experts Dierenspeciaalzaak say that it is important to make sure that they have a warm bed inside, in a safe and quiet part of the house, preferably away from any drafts. However, cats tend to find several other napping spots around the home which they use in addition to their designated bed.

In terms of whether to keep them inside or outside, they are generally safer when they are indoors, as cats that are allowed to roam around the local area can fall victim to fighting with other cats, which can cause infections and injuries. They are also likely to bring home mites, lice or fleas and are obviously at risk of being hit by cars. Having said this, dierenspeciaalzaak adds that cats are very intelligent animals and so, provided they are properly vaccinated and you do not live by any busy roads, it should be fine to allow them out during the day and bring them in at night.

However, if you decide that the indoor life is best for your cat, it is important to ensure that they have enough to entertain themselves with. Ideally, it is better to have another pet in addition to your cat, so that they can be companions whilst you are away during the day. The cat should also have a scratching post and toys (this will keep them amused, but will also save your soft furnishings!) as well as of course, plenty of attention.

General Health Care

In order to keep your cat healthy and happy, they require exercise and a good diet. However, they also need a good level of care from a veterinarian too. Whatever age your cat is when you first adopt them, make sure to take a trip to your local vet; they will inform you about the vaccinations the cat will need, as well as any potential health problems the cat may have and how to treat them.

AUTHOR BIO : Joana Sweeney writes regularly for a wide range of pet health magazines, websites and blogs. An owner of both a cat and a dog and a regular customer at Dierenspeciaalzaak, she provides simple tips and advice on how to keep pets healthy.

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