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Feeding and Caring For A Cat

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24 views

Feeding and Caring For A Cat

Uploaded by

archananadarajah17
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Feeding

We recommend purchasing high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat


food. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your new cat or
kitten and determine the best diet. Factors such as age, activity
level and health make a difference in what and how much a cat
should eat.

 Cats require taurine, an essential amino acid,


for heart and eye health. The food you choose
should be balanced for the life stage of your cat
or kitten. Properly balanced foods will contain
taurine.
 You will need to provide fresh, clean water at all
times, and wash and refill your cat’s water
bowls daily.
 Treats should be no more than 5-10% of the
diet.
 Many people feed baby food to a cat or kitten
who is refusing food or not feeling well Please
read labels carefully: If the baby food contains
onion or garlic powder, your pet could be
poisoned.
 Take your pet to your veterinarian if signs of
anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy
continue for more than two days.
 Please visit our People Foods to Avoid Feeding
Your Pets page for a list of off-limits items, as
well as our Cat Nutrition Tips page for more
information.
Grooming

Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, but you
should brush or comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps
keep your cat's coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding and
cuts down on the incidence of hairballs. Please visit our Cat
Grooming Tips page for more information.

Handling
To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and
another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Never pick up a cat
by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.

Housing

Your pet should have her own clean, dry place in your home to
sleep and rest. Line your cat's bed with a soft, warm blanket or
towel. Be sure to wash the bedding often. Please keep your cat
indoors. Outdoor cats do not live as long as indoor cats. Outdoor
cats are at risk of trauma from cars, or from fights with other cats,
raccoons and free-roaming dogs. Coyotes are known to eat cats.
Outdoor cats are more likely to become infested with fleas or
ticks, as well as contract infectious diseases.

Identification

If allowed outdoors, your cat must wear a safety collar and an ID


tag. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to
break loose if the collar gets caught on something. And for both
indoor and outdoor cats, an ID tag or an implanted microchip can
help ensure that your cat is returned if he or she becomes lost.

Litter Box

All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a


quiet, accessible location. In a multi-level home, one box per floor
is recommended. Avoid moving the box unless absolutely
necessary, but if you must do so, move the box just a few inches
per day. Keep in mind that cats won't use a messy, smelly litter
box, so scoop solid wastes out of the box at least once a day.
Dump everything, wash with a mild detergent and refill at least
once a week; you can do this less frequently if using clumping
litter. Don't use ammonia, deodorants or scents, especially lemon,
when cleaning the litter box. If your cat will not use a litterbox,
please consult with your veterinarian. Sometimes refusal to use a
litter box is based on a medical condition that required treatment.
Please visit our Litter Box Problems page for more information.
Scratching

Cats need to scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail
sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are
exposed. Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will
keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of
both humans and furniture. Provide your cat with a sturdy
scratching post, at least three feet high. The post should also be
stable enough that it won't wobble during use, and should be
covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap or tree bark.
Many cats also like scratching pads.

Health

Your cat should see the veterinarian at least once a year for an
examination and annual shots, and immediately if she is sick or
injured.

Medicines and Poisons

Never give your cat medication that has not been prescribed by a
veterinarian. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a
poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Centerfor 24-hour animal poison information at
(888) 426-4435.

Spaying and Neutering

Female cats should be spayed and male cats neutered by five


months of age. Please visit our Spay/Neuter Your Pet page to
learn more.

Vaccinations

Your veterinarian will make recommendations based on your cat's


age and health. Please visit our Pet Vaccinations page to learn
more.

Cat Supply Checklist

 Premium-brand cat food


 Food dish
 Water bowl
 Interactive toys
 Brush
 Comb
 Safety cat collar with ID tag
 Scratching post or scratching pad
 Litter box and litter
 Cat carrier
 Cat bed or box with warm blanket or towel.

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