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 BASICS OF CAT CARE
Once you decide to purchase a cat, this means that you are now ready to face another responsibility - not only to yourself, to your properties, but to your pet as well. Cats are easier to take care of and satisfy unlike other pets. Give them food, shelter, love and attention and they will be alright. You need not also bathe them regularly. However, you still have to be specific in understanding their needs. Below are some basic ways of cat care:
1. FEEDING
Just like human beings, cats must be fed at least two times a day in order to regain the lost energy they spent within the day. Some people think that giving dog food to their cat would make the latter heavier and more vigilant, but the truth is that dog foods do not really posses the required amount of nutrients needed by the cat. It is
important to note that cats are more energetic and vigorous than the dogs, which means that more amino acids and protein are needed to sustain their proper nutrition - this can only be present and accurate in a cat food.
Kittens six months old and below must be fed with kitten food three to four times daily while the older ones (age ranges from 6 months onwards), must be fed at least two times. It is advisable to slowly shift kitten food to adult cat food when the cat reaches its first year.
Fresh water must always be present in the food bowl for body nourishment. Avoid giving your cats canned or powdered milk for it may cause them diarrhea and stomach pains.
2. GROOMING
Leave the ribbons and uncomfortable cat dresses behind. The basic and most important part of grooming is brushing or combing the hair of your cat. This process would not only entangle looped hair but will also remove the excess hair that will later on turn into what they call "hairballs". Several documentary episodes about cats show that the most common reason why these beautiful creatures undergo surgery is because of the big lumps of hairballs found within their body. This is caused by continuous "bathing" of cats using their tongue, and accidentally swallowing the hair taken from their coat. So, before your cat ends up in a pet clinic, make it a habit to always comb your cat's hair. This is a big help in reducing the risk of hairballs. A wide-toothed comb is advisable for long-haired cats while bristle brush will be good on short hairs.
3. THE ENVIRONMENT
Deciding whether your cat stays inside or outside your house must be weighed seriously. Both each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
In-house cats, especially kittens, can be destructive to your properties sometimes. They would scratch your carpet and walls and leave strong scents around the corners of your house (this is territorial defense for them). Most of the time, some strands of their hair would stick to your new sofa set and your bed. Most cats would also jump on your dining table and taste your food for lunch or dinner. Cats staying outside your door, on the other hand, have a greater probability to fight with or bully other neighboring cats and return in a disgusting state. Cats may roam in streets at night and eventually hit by a running vehicle. They can also be lost.
These terrifying realities of a life outside a home so keep in mind the most important rule in basic cat care: Adopt a cat and shower it with love and affection. Make them feel special and you will be returned with loyalty and kindness. In-house cats can reach 15 years or more.
If you decide to bring your pet out the door, you must be ready to face the fact that outside cats has a bigger possibility for a shorter life - approximately 2 to 4 years only. The reason? The law of survival: Survival of the fittest the strong will reign and the weak will perish. Once your cat stays outside your territory, the said law applies.
4. HEALTH CARE
Aside from proper diet, regular check-up is necessary in order to monitor your cat's health. Proper vaccines must be administered to prevent certain illnesses and diseases from spreading.
HOW TO POTTY TRAIN YOUR CAT
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAT IS SICK
HOUSE TRAINING YOUR CAT
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