Cats are as the most common pets in the world. When the cat is first brought home, set the closed carrier in a quiet place and allow the cat to get used to the new sights and smells. The cat may feel vulnerable and afraid. If there are other cats or pets in the household, keep them away for a while. When the cat seems calm and curious, open the carrier and allow the cat to explore.
Feeding Cats are carnivores and must eat meat to survive. They require a higher percentage of protein than do dogs, which is why dog food should never be fed to cats. Cats have no flat-crowned crushing teeth and therefore cannot chew their food; instead, they cut it up. Except for the canines and molars, the cat's teeth are more or less nonfunctional; most of the cheek teeth do not even meet when the mouth is closed.
Because of the relatively short digestive tract, cats need easily digestible food to stay healthy. Commercial dry cat foods are convenient for cat owners, but they lack moisture and are usually overloaded with plant material such as corn, wheat, or rice. A carnivore's digestive system is not equipped to handle foods with such high proportions of carbohydrates.
Wet or dry food? Both wet and dry foods have pros and cons. Dry foods are convenient, easy to store, affordable, reduce tartar buildup on the cat's teeth, and help maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, dry foods are not as easy to digest and provide little moisture. They tend to have a higher level of carbohydrates and can contribute to feline obesity and health conditions such as diabetes. Additionally, cats that exclusively eat dry food have a greater risk of developing feline lower urinary tract disease (LUTD), which can be life-threatening.
Wet foods, on the other hand, while not as easy to store and more expensive, are easily digestible and higher in protein, and cats often prefer them. Usually, canned foods are about 75 percent water and a good source of hydration for cats who need a higher fluid intake, such as those with renal disease.
Whether you choose wet or dry or a combination of the two, you want to choose a food that has been test-fed to cats with procedures established by the AAFCO. This will guarantee a complete and balanced nutrition for your cat's current life stage.
Bathing
In general, cats do not need regular bathing unless they have particularly elaborate coats, do not groom themselves appropriately, have become soiled due to contact with contaminants, or have health concerns such as skin conditions or parasites that make bathing necessary. Some breeds have been selectively bred for abnormally long or dense fur that is difficult for a cat to self-groom and that necessitates bathing. For example, the Persian's fur can be up to 8 inches (20.32 cm) in length, which is very difficult for cats to keep in order on their own.
Nail, tooth, and ear care Like humans, cats need regular dental care, but cat owners often do not consider this. Cats are very good at hiding signs of pain and illness, and owners may not become aware of dental issues until they are severe. If the cat develops bad breath or flinches when the mouth or whiskers are touched, it is time to schedule a veterinary exam. In addition, have your veterinarian examine the cat's teeth during the cat's annual checkup to catch any problems while they are in the early stages. Serious feline health concerns, including heart and kidney disease, have been linked to dental disease.
Trim your cat's toenails, front and back, every three or four weeks, using a nail trimmer designed for pets. This saves on the wear and tear of furniture and other belongings and reduces the risk of the cat inadvertently injuring you or other family members or pets. The claws of indoor-only cats will not wear down as fast as the claws of those allowed outside. When trimming the nails, cut the sharp white tip of the nail, being careful not to cut into the pink quick, as this is very painful for the cat. Be careful to hold the cat tenderly but firmly when trimming the nails, because most cats do not enjoy the procedure and can lash out and scratch the trimmer.
Play The best way to keep your cat happy, healthy, and free from behavior problems is to develop a bond with it. How long this bonding process takes and how successful it will be depend on a number of factors. As with humans, cats are individuals, and no two will react in exactly the same way. To form emotional bonds with humans, cats usually need early and positive contact with humans. While there can be exceptions, cats not handled until adulthood may never learn to trust humans or allow any meaningful contact.
Training cats It is a myth that cats cannot be trained. However, cats are not as easy to train as some other domestic animals and cannot be trained in the same way. However, some training may be important if you and your cat are to live together in peace. How to properly use the litter box, for example, and to use the scratching post instead of the couch are essential behaviors. Fortunately, these behaviors are fairly easily learned because such behaviors are instinctual.
Grooming cats Fastidious grooming is one of the things that makes cats such good companions. Cats are naturally clean animals and devote 30 to 50 percent of their waking hours to grooming.
Although this self-grooming is an effective system, many cats need at least some grooming assistance. In particular, cats with long fur and thick downy undercoats need to be groomed to keep from becoming matted, which can be a significant health concern. Removing excess hair can also help prevent the formation of hair balls in the cat's stomach. Regular brushing also removes loose hairs that would otherwise end up on your furnishings.
Grooming sessions can assist in catching health concerns when they are in their early and treatable stages; lumps and abscesses can be detected when the cat is brushed and combed. Preferably, a grooming program should be started by the time a cat is three months old. If you are patient and make the experience pleasant, the cat will learn to accept and enjoy it.
