Caring for Your Cat!

Start with a trip to your veterinarian for a checkup. Let's be sure it hasn't arrived with worms, fleas or medical problems. He/she will need its' basic vaccines.

Cats are carnivores that need a diet that is very high in animal protein. Their digestive tract is designed to efficiently convert meat into energy. Kittens are like puppies, they'll need a different diet as babies than they'll need as adults. Talk to your veterinarian about the diet that they recommend for your kitten and your cat.

They do, occasionally, have a craving for grass - or your plants, and you may want to check out our poisonous plants list.

The list is not complete. There are other poisonous plants and poisons that can harm your pet. Use your judgement! When adding a new plant, check with your library to be sure about its' toxicity.

Your cat needs Fresh water at all times. (They'd love it if you left a faucet dribbling - just for them, but changing the water daily is fine.) Cats don't seem to drink as much as dogs; but, if it isn't fresh, they won't drink it at all. They need the water to keep the kidneys and bladder functioning well. If they don't, your pets' body can't rid itself of the waste by-products that are part of normal bodily function.

Next comes elimination.
A clean litter pan is essential. Your cat is particular about this. She has a very well developed sense of smell and may refuse to use it if it's dirty. You also may have to have a separate litterpan for each cat! Some cats will Not use a "public bathroom".

Entertainment!
Try a paper bag! Or a box! Most cats love crumpled newspaper, and - Yes - they do like Catnip! You can purchase an inexpensive box of it and just put some in an old hankie or lightweight cloth and tie or sew it shut. Cats are attracted to motion. A feather on a piece of string that's tied to a doornob should work. Don't let your cat chew on or swallow string! They do not digest it. It tangles around their intestines and must be surgically removed.

Bedding
Check the local pet stores for a washable bed - or at least a bed with a washable cover. Don't invest a large sum! Your cat may refuse it and you will have wasted your money! Some cats like the beds that they can crawl into, others don't. You may try a small box with an old lap blanket until you decide.

And lastly, - the claws!
Your cat will scratch. They do it to mark territory and to rid themselves of worn claw coverings. Some owners want the claws removed, some don't. If you don't, you'd better buy or build a scratching post; or your cat will select one of its' own!

Put the post near its' bed, so it can use it first thing when it wakes up to stretch on. Make it sturdy enough and tall enough so your cat can reach up with its' claws and stretch out to its' full length. Some folks use an old log with bark on it, others cover a carpet tube with carpet and mount it on a board. Your pet store will sell some very nice scratching posts. If you can't afford one, at least look them over for ideas.

If this is your first cat or kitten, consider investing in a cat care book. There are several very good books on the market that will guide you.

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