Page 13 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

◁ Companionship
Good cat care involves more than regular meals
and a bed to sleep in. If your cat enjoys human
company, it is essential to your cat’s mental
welfare to give him plenty of loving attention.

Owner responsibilities
■ Providing food and clean water
■ Meeting the cat’s needs for
companionship
■ Offering a choice of resources,
such as beds and litter trays
■ Providing enough stimulation to
ensure the cat stays fit and happy
■ Grooming (and bathing)
when necessary
■ Socializing kittens so that they 11
are confident in any situation
■ Seeking veterinary care
when needed
■ Microchipping the cat and
fitting him with a quick-release
safety collar and ID tag

differences in behavior and taking time to interact with your are far less time-consuming but Becoming a cat owner
temperament. Unneutered toms cat is just as important as providing they need brushing or combing at
may roam and spray urine, while him with playthings. He will need least once a week.
in-heat females may be restless. plenty of stimulation in the form of From time to time you may have
cuddles and games. to arrange for cat care. This can
Essentials of cat care Cats need regular grooming and incur considerable expense either
Cats require a surprisingly large may need the occasional bath. For for boarding fees if your pet stays
number of resources, and they a longhaired cat, daily grooming in a cattery or for paying a
can be expensive, so be sure that (see pp.32–3), taking up to half an professional cat-sitter.
you can afford life-long care. Basic hour, is essential. Shorthaired cats You are morally, and in many
costs include buying food, bowls, countries also legally, responsible
beds, litter trays and/or a cat flap, for your cat’s welfare. Essential
a cat carrier, grooming equipment, care includes giving your cat a safe
veterinary care, microchipping, home that enables him to perform
and insurance. normal cat behavior, suitable food
As well as your cat’s physical and clean water, preventive health
requirements, also consider his care and veterinary treatment
need for mental stimulation. when necessary, and protection
Cats can quickly become bored, from unnecessary suffering.
especially if they don’t go outside
regularly, and this can lead to ◁ Going away
destructive behaviors. There is a If your cat has to be left in someone else’s care,
he is still your responsibility. It may take time to
wide variety of cat toys and find a reputable cattery or pet-sitting service
scratching posts available, but that can provide the right level of attention.

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