Cats are fantastic, charming and loving pets that provide a lot of entertainment and fun. There are some things that you should know about looking after your new cat friend. Cats have been domesticated for over five thousand years, this came about as humans began farming and required cats to control vermin both in grain storage areas and at home. Cats are related to tigers, bobcats, mountain lions and lions.
There are some essential items you will need when bringing your cat or kitten home, including a food dish and food, a water container, some toys, a comb, a scratching post and a litter box and litter.
When it comes to feeding it is generally accepted that kittens between six and twelve weeks old should be feed 4 times a day. Kittens between 3 months and six months should be fed 3 times a day and adult cats should be feed twice a day. Cats can be feed both canned food and dry food.
When you pick up a cat always put one hand behind the front legs and the other one under the hindquarters and then lift gently. You should never pick up a cat by the front legs if you are not supporting the rear or by the scruff of the neck.
You should always provide a clean dry bed for your cat in the house which should be washed on a regular basis. If your cat is allowed outside if is a good idea for it to wear a collar that has an elastic band so it can break loose if it gets caught on anything. An implanted microchip, tattoo or ID tag can help someone locate you if your cat or kitten becomes lost.
If your cat is to be indoors then a litter box is a must have item and cats will learn to use it very quickly when shown where it is located. A laundry or utility room is a good place for a litter box.
If you don’t want your cat scratching and sharpening their claws on your furniture then you will need a sturdy scratching post. Whenever your cat or kitten starts clawing on your furniture, tell it no in a firm voice and take it to the scratching post and praise it when it starts to use it.
Cats love to play with toys especially ones that jump around and look lifelike. It can be great fun playing with your cat or kitten so try out a few toys and see which ones they prefer.
There are a couple of differences between having a cat as a pet than having a dog as a pet. Unlike dogs cats do not require bathing; they will spend a great deal of their day cleaning themselves and keep themselves very well groomed. Cats do not necessarily need to go outdoors, they can be kept indoors quite comfortably as long as you provide food, water, a litter box, some toys and a comfortable bed.
Although cats a very independent pets they still thrive on companionship so provide it with lots of love and attention and you will have a wonderful new friend.
