How to Keep a Cat Contented

It's common knowledge that cats can be much easier to look after than dogs. There are several levels of care ranging from the most basic to the elaborate. It is your responsibility as a caring, concerned cat owner to discover what it takes to keep your feline friend happy, comfortable and satisfied.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nutritious commercial diet made especially for cats
• Food and water bowls
• One or more litter boxes that are big enough for your cat
• A brand of cat litter your cat will accept
• Scratching post or other suitable cat furniture
• Cat toys
• Grooming tools
• A cat carrier sized to suit your cat
• A veterinarian that genuinely likes cats

What Makes a Cat Happy?

1. We've all heard the old adage "You are what you eat." The same is true for your cat. It make take a bit of trial and error to find a brand of food that the two of you can agree on, meaning that your terms of cost and nutrition agree with her terms of taste and smell. Simply put, feed your cat the very best cat food you can afford and one she will eat. Also, put some thought into choosing a cat's food and water bowls. Look for dishes made from material that is easy to keep clean and sanitary. Plastic is not recommended, as it can cause a form of chin acne in susceptible cats. If by chance your cat's feeding area is carpeted, beware of metal bowls. There have been reports of cats getting a real scare when static electricity from the carpet has caused a surprising shock when they bent their heads to eat or drink. One of the easiest and most sanitary methods for feeding can be a disposable paper plate. This way, kitty always has a clean dish without any muss or fuss.

2. If she is an inside pet, your cat's litter box is of supreme importance to her. She prefers it to be as clean and odor free as possible, much as you yourself prefer a sanitary bathroom. This means you or a member of your family must carry out scoop patrol at least twice daily. Remove any wet or solid clumps, then add clean litter. Thoroughly clean the box with a cat-friendly soap, and replace the litter once a week. Cats often will let their humans know that something isn't quite right about their litter box conditions by having "on-purposes" outside the box. Cleanliness as well as a litter the cat approves of can go a long way towards encouraging good litter box habits.

3. Cats need their own toys and furniture. Toys are necessary to prevent boredom and encourage exercise and should be chosen with a cat's natural curiosity and instincts in mind. Cat furniture can and will save your own furniture by giving your cat a safe place to scratch and work off some excess energy.

4. Every cat should have his own carrier or crate, and it should be stored in a place that allows easy access in case you need it quickly. The carrier gives your pet a safe haven in case of a household fire or forced evacuation, plus makes it a lot easier for you to handle your cat during these times of stress. Carriers are also indispensable for visits to the veterinarian.

5. Grooming your cat can not only cut down on the amount of hair that finds its way onto your clothing and furniture, but can also prevent your cat from suffering with hairballs. Most cats enjoying being groomed and will look forward to the time spent with you each day.

6. A veterinarian can be your cat's best friend, after you, of course! A checkup, spaying or neutering and annual shots are vital for a happy, healthy cat. Your veterinarian's office is also the best place to purchase flea medications for your pet. A cat with fleas is miserable, and a caring owner will see to it that his pet is protected.

Tips & Warnings

• It's a proven fact that a happy cat leads to a happy owner.

[onehappylassie]

on 2/9/2008 Thank you. Very well done.