How to Take Care of a Cat

Learning how to take care of a cat isn't difficult. Most of your pet's needs will be obvious.

Supplies to Have on Hand

No matter which breed your cat may be, whether a purebred or a cat from the shelter, she will need some basic care from day one. You will want to have certain items on hand even before you bring your new pet home.

Cat food

The type of cat food you get at the beginning will depend on the cat's age and condition, as well as any recommendations that your vet might have. Kittens need to start out on a good quality kitten food, and you should feed your kitten the kitten food until she is one year old. Once she is a year old, you can gradually switch her to an adult cat formula. Feed your kitten three times a day until she is over six months old.

If your cat is already an adult, you can feed her adult formula food from the beginning. Many cats like to eat canned food with dry food available for free feeding. You can give your adult cat canned food once or twice a day.

If your cat is older or overweight, you may want to consider providing her with a specialty formula specific to her health issues. Feed according to the directions on the package. You will also need a dish for your cat, as well as a bowl for water.

Kitty Litter

Cats need a kitty litter box for urination and defecation. Some boxes have covers so that the cat cannot fling the litter all over the floor. The cat goes in and out through a doorway. Not only does this help keep the litter off the floor, it keeps the room from smelling and hides the soiled litter. There are also open boxes available; you should choose whichever type you and your cat prefer.

Which litter you choose may be a matter of preference.

Clumping - You can get a clumping cat littler that will make regular scooping easy. When this type of litter gets wet, it clumps together in a small ball that is easy to scoop out.
Clay - You may also want to try a traditional clay litter. This does not clump, but it is more inexpensive than the clumping type.
Silica Crystals - These crystals are very absorbent and absorb odors better than the other types of litter. The problem is that many cats do not like the feel of it and will refuse to use it.

The litter should be cleaned daily and totally replaced once a week. You can buy a special scoop to facilitate this process at almost any pet store. Do not flush litter down the toilet unless it says specifically that it is flushable litter. It can clog up your entire sewage system.

Scratching Post

Cats need to scratch things. This is the way that cats in the wild mark territory as well as groom their claws. You can provide your cat with a scratching post or you can watch in horror as your cat shreds the arm of your designer sofa.

The post is an excellent investment in the long run.

Nice to Have

There are a few items that are nice to have, although they aren't necessary.

Toys

Cats love to play. They will play with almost anything from a wadded up paper ball to an expensive designer cat toy. There are many types of toys available at the local pet shop, just choose a few that you think your cat will like.

Cat Tree

Cats love to climb, and an indoor cat tree can give them the opportunity to climb without being outside. Cat trees come in many sizes and styles, and it is up to you and your budget which you choose.

A cat tree usually has platforms and toys as well as a covered surface for your cat to use as a scratching post.

Bed

Cats love to curl up on something soft. If you provide your pet with a bed, she may love it and use it often. On the other hand, she may not. Most cats like beds that have a cover over them with a small entry door. Cats like being in enclosed spaces where they feel hidden.

How to Take Care of a Cat Well

Providing food, fresh water and kitty litter are all very important parts of cat care. However, there are other aspects that are just as important.

Veterinary Care

It is important that you take your cat to the vet on the schedule your vet suggests. Vaccines and regular checkups can help your cat live a long and healthy life. Don't wait too long before that first appointment. You will want your vet to assess your pet's health right away.You should also consider spaying or neutering your pet if that has not already been done. This keeps your cat from producing unwanted kittens and have a healthier, longer life. A fixed cat makes a much better pet than an animal that is still intact.

Affection

Every mammal craves affection, and your cat is no different. Give her plenty of love and attention, and she will reward you with a lifetime of friendship.

Inside or Outside

Many people wonder if it is better to have a cat inside all the time or allow her to roam outside. There are heated arguments on both sides. Some people feel that it is unfair to keep a cat in the house because this does not give her the quality of life that being outside does. Others believe that keeping a cat indoors is safer for her and that those outdoor experiences can be mimicked by use of items like indoor cat trees.

This is a decision all pet owners need to make for themselves when they consider how to take care of a cat.