9 Important Cat Care Suggestions

We have found that while there are millions of households that love cats, many of those families are not aware of some of the needs their cats may have. Here are 9 Important Cat Care Suggestions that can help you to keep your furr baby healthy and happy!

1. Provide fresh water every day! Clean, fresh, non-chlorinated water is essential for your cat’s good health. If your cat doesn’t seem to drink well from a bowl, consider providing her with a water fountain designed for cats. Use ceramic, glass or stainless steel for food and water dishes (never plastic). Clean all bowls at least twice weekly.
2. Where would your cat find ‘dry’ food in nature? Be sure your cats get plenty of moist food! Wet/canned/moist food helps keep their kidneys, bladder and urinary tract healthy. When cats get a diet of mostly dry food it will eventually damage their health. Note: Cats have limited ability to digest carbohydrates, so grain-free foods are always the best.
3. Litter box issues are the number one reason cats are dumped on the road, taken to shelters or returned to breeders. Some ways to avoid litter box issues are:
   a. Be aware of the correct number of Litter Boxes! A general rule of thumb according to the professionals is to have one litter pan for each cat in the house, plus one more. For example, if you have 3 cats, you should have 4 litter boxes.
   b. Encourage good litter box habits (cats are clean animals and will not use a full or smelly box) by keeping the litter boxes cleaned at least once daily. Scooping morning and evening is a good plan to follow. Regular cleaning will also help you notice any changes in your cat’s urine or stool, which could indicate a health issue (if he/she won’t use a clean box it could be a medical issue and you should have them checked by your Vet).
   c. Always choose unscented litter as cats are sensitive to chemicals and perfumes. Each box should be placed in a quiet, private, easy to access location. Avoid moving the box once your cat has gotten used to the location. Dump all litter, wash with an unscented detergent and refill at least once a month. (NEVER use ammonia, harsh cleaners or scented detergents when cleaning the litter box or the cat may reject it.)
4. Provide multiple Scratching Posts and trim nails regularly! Surfaces for scratching will help to prevent damage to your furniture, and it will also meet an instinctual need in your cat. It also allows your cat stretch their muscles and keep their claws from becoming over-grown. Regular scratching on an appropriate surface (posts, rugs, trees, hanging boards, etc.) remove the old layers from your cat’s claws. Cutting your cat’s nails every 3 or 4 weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm people or furniture. (You can use a human toenail clipper and be careful never to cut into the pink; or you can use a nail trimming tool designed for cats. You can watch Youtube videos for more detailed instructions.)
5. Cats love to play and need regular daily play time to keep them occupied and healthy! Toy mice, balls, quality feathers, crumpled paper, cat springs and even empty boxes make for great amusement. Playthings and toys can be home-made and do not need to be costly. The main thing is to make sure there are enough toys and interaction to keep your cat happy, active, and mentally engaged. This way they are less likely to get into mischief or become overweight.
6. Never give your cat any medicine of any kind unless recommended by a Vet or other Professional! Cats are very sensitive to perfumes, chemicals, essential oils, various plants and similar things. For example, did you know that acetaminophen, xylitol, lillies and aspirin can be FATAL to a cat?! Keep mouse poison or other rodent killers away from your cat. If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a poisonous substance, call your emergency vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426-4435.
7. You must “earn” a cats trust! Remember that cats are very different from dogs and must be treated accordingly. One very significant difference is that many puppies will love almost everyone they meet, but you must EARN a cats trust with repeated kindness and patience. Leaving their home, traveling as well as meeting a new family can be stressful for some cats/kittens. It may take time for them to adjust to their new environment and family. Please be patient and comforting and don’t introduce them to other animals till they have had time to adapt. When you do introduce them to other pets, look up the best procedure and be sure to supervise closely so no-one gets hurt.
8. Cats get healthy benefits from green grasses! Planting Cat Grass (wheat grass or barley grass) in planters is incredibly easy and provides an element of good health for your cat that cannot be gained any other way. In nature they will eat a little grass nearly every day. Put your planters in a sunny spot and watch your cat enjoy.
9. An extremely beneficial supplement for your cats is Pet Probiotics. Probiotics (good bacteria) are one of the most important nutrients you can give your cat. It aids in digestion, immune function and more. Sprinkle/mix a pet probiotic as directed on the kitty food every 3-4 days to help with digestive and immune health. If your pet has been through a surgery or a sickness you can give the recommended dosage daily for a while to help build them back up.