We all know that wild cats are extremely capable of fending for themselves in the jungle but when it comes to domesticated pets self-reliance is a whole different ball game. Even though your precious pussycats may give you that “I’m better off on my own” look, the fact of the matter is that they need you more than they think they do. Fluffy or Ginger may seem to spend a lot of time on their own but when it comes to essentials like feeding and grooming, they’re going to look up to you with those melting eyes and ask for help. If you’re a novice at pet care, it’s a good idea to scan bookstores and libraries or even local humane societies where you will find loads of information. There are a lot of books that can help you understand your cat’s needs and also give you tips on how to be a responsible cat owner. Here are some general dos ‘n don’ts:
• Domestic cats require whole lot of love and attention from their owners so make it a point to set aside some special “kitty” time from your daily routine.
• Much like us humans, cats too need a healthy, balanced diet that is essential for longevity. These can be provided by high-quality commercial cat food, as well a regular supply of fresh water.
• It is also important to clean your kitty’s litter pans regularly in order to prevent disease; being as smart as they are, some cats even refuse to use a badly soiled litter pan.
• Your cat’s claws should also be trimmed often. You can save your furniture from damage by setting up a scratching post for cats that live indoors.
• The post should preferably be covered with a rough material such as sisal rope.
• Cats use their tongues to clean their coats and normally end up swallowing loose hair. So it is important that you brush your cat’s fur every week, even if it is a shorthaired breed. This will also help preventing hairballs forming in their stomachs.
• A few longhaired breeds, such as the Persian and the Himalayan, require daily combing to prevent their long, soft fur from matting.
• Abnormal body odours: If your pet has extra strong body odour even when it is brushed and cleaned, consult a vet, it may have skin disorder which may be controlled by medicated shampoo or in mild cases, with a dandruff shampoo. An older pet may develop deposits on its teeth. The pet’s teeth can be brushed with a soft brush using baking soda or toothpaste. Alternatively one can also brush a pet’s teeth by wrapping gauze-square on the finger. Clean carefully along the gum line.
• To keep your cat healthy dilute its milk with warm water and do not give it the cream from the top of the milk.
• Get a string, trailed it along the floor and encourage a kitty to stalk and pounce on it. Remember though, that after playtime is over, put the string away, so it might become dinner for kitty. This could lead to intestinal damage.
