What You Need To Know About Caring For Your Cat

A little furry ball of fluff came into your life, so what are you going to do with it? A cat is a wonderful companion for anyone, but youve got to know how to handle one. They arent dogs, after all! Here are some great tips for dealing with felines.

Make sure to keep your cats litter box clean at all times. Most cats do not like to use a dirty litter box, much like you would not want to use a dirty toilet. Scoop it at least once a day. Empty and give it a good cleaning once a week or more if needed.

Cats love to play so make sure that you provide them with lots of toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is not only fun, it helps them to get exercise too.

Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, its a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.

Exercise

Cats love to play so make sure that you provide them with lots of toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is not only fun, it helps them to get exercise too.

A great toy for your cat is a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the laser around and try to catch it. This will help you give your cat some exercise, while your cat is having fun at the same time. It will also help to fine-tune their hunting skills.

You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Cats require physical activity. Sometimes, cat owners dont realize this. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.

Nutrition

Choose a high quality food. The key to a healthy cat starts with nutrition. Take a look at the ingredients label. If you look at most "popular" commercial cat foods, you may be surprised to see the top ingredient listed is corn. Cats are carnivores, so look for a food with a real meat as the top ingredient. You may pay more up front, but these foods are often more nutritionally dense, meaning your cat eats less and the bag lasts longer.

Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.

Dont scrimp when it comes to your pets food. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.

Now that youve read this article, you have some ideas for how you can best take care of your cat. These unique creatures can enrich your life, but only when theyre happy. Your cat may never seem satisfied, but if you use the tips in this article, he may purr a few times!