Caring For Your Cat

Caring For Your Cat

Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained, he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your feline companion.

Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may slip out the door¡ªan ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.

Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local governments, protects both cats and people in the community.

Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community.

Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.

Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.

Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.

Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.

Cat Behavior Tip Sheets

Your cat brings you joy as she curls up on your lap and purrs herself to sleep. She provides you with endless entertainment as she chases her feather wand with enthusiasm. But from time to time, she might also drive you crazy as she scratches your favorite chair, executes sneak attacks on your ankles, or stops using the litterbox.

Whatever "issues" you or your cat may have, we have information that can help you address them. Our tip sheets are designed to empower pet caregivers to solve the problems that threaten their relationships with their companion animals.

Solving your cat's behavior problems may take a renewed commitment on your part, but it can be done. And it's worth it. After all, research shows that most dogs and cats are relinquished to animal shelters¡ªor otherwise given up¡ªbecause of common behavior problems their families didn't know how to solve.

Don't let challenges threaten the bonds you have with your feline companion. With some effort and patience, and the advice on these tip sheets, you can address problem behaviors and keep your cat where he or she belongs¡ªwith you.

More info about cat care, please visit Humane Society of United States.