Archive for the ‘Cat Decor’ Category

Easy right? You bring a kitten into your home, feed him and that’s it. Cats are supposed to be easy. But wait! …did you forget something? A cat is a living, breathing creature that forms emotional attachments to its family – not unlike you. A cat is not just a pretty doorstop – there is a minimal amount of commitment that comes with owing any pet.

While cats are one of the easier pets to own, they are not a doorstop. They have basic needs; the most important being emotional needs (beyond food and water). If you don’t have time for a pet, you shouldn’t have one. If you don’t have time for a pet for its LIFETIME, get a doorstop.
So what are those “basic needs”?

Your cat needs to live indoors. The world has just become too dangerous to be an outdoor cat. While traffic comes to mind, there is more. Cats are susceptible to garbage poisoning, or fights with other cats. They may be chased and killed by dogs or coyotes. They can be a nuisance defecating in flower beds and sandboxes, kill songbirds and other mammals receiving the ire of neighbors. Because a cat can climb it can be difficult to confine outdoors – so your cat needs to live inside.

Inside you need to provide a rich and stimulating environment. Cat toys that are feathery, furry or have catnip inside, a scratching post, indoor plants with greens to chew on, perhaps a companion animal, and of course your time playing games will provide an environment of mental stimulation so your cat doesn’t become a neurotic mess.

A responsible pet owner will spay/neuter. Beyond the obvious advantage that you aren’t brining perhaps thousands of unwanted cats into the world, it eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer, and reduces incidence of breast cancer. It reduces the incidence of prostate disorders and cancers in male cats, which are also less likely to spray and mark territory. Spaying or neutering your cat will make it a more affectionate companion.

Finally, cats also need your companionship. If you are gone allot, consider getting another cat or some other compatible animal for the cat to socialize with. Cats are aloof, but still sociable and need someone to “talk” to just like you do.

All pets should wear a collar and tag that includes your address as well as a day and evening telephone number. A breakaway collar is safest for cats because of their propensity to climb trees. Without a breakaway collar a lost cat is at risk of becoming caught on a branch and hanging.

Like any pet, a cat requires a balanced, nutritious food. Don’t skimp here – buy the best you can afford. Your cat will be healthier and avoid nutritionally caused disease. Look for the AFCO label on the can or bag.

Your cat should always have access to fresh water – and I don’t mean a flushed toilet or dripping sink. A bowl of his very own that you make sure is fresh and filled daily.
A litter box is a necessity for an indoor cat – make sure you change the litter often. To encourage the cat to use the litter box, leave a small amount of urine or feces in the box so that he’ll return to the box when nature calls. Clumping litter is easier to scoop and change with less waste.

Finally, a pet needs good veterinary care. Recently a new specialty has been evolving among veterinarians – cat specialists. If you are lucky to have one of these vets in your neighborhood it may be worth checking out. Because they specialize in cats, your cat is seen by someone well versed in feline behavior and disease. He won’t have to sit in a waiting room with dogs who may consider him a food group.

Once there make sure your cat gets up-to-date on shots yearly and a thorough exam for health. If your cat has an emergency health problem, don’t wait. Most vet offices have some sort of emergency care procedure. Find out yours so you’ll know before you need it. If the unexpected happens, get to the vet quickly.

A cat is your responsibility from day one to the end of its life. Before you decide to take home that cute kitten, consider it will be a part of your life for the next 12-20 years. Your cat is a friend and companion, seeing you through marriages, children and possibly funerals. It’s not fair to get a pet only to drop it off at the humane society later because it’s “inconvenient”. A pet is a commitment – for life.

Click on Photo to Buy…

Cat Doorstop

Cat Feeding Bowl

Breakaway Cat Collars