Top 10 Cat Care Essentials

While cats require significantly less effort than their dog counterparts, they do require proper care for their health and well-being. Given the appropriate care and amount of attention your cat will be a part of your life for many happy and fulfilling years. While this list is not all-inclusive it should give you the building blocks for successful cat care:

1. High Quality Food: Cats need a diet rich in protein as they are strict carnivores and must digest protein to provide them with essential nutrients for their good health. Considering their strict carnivore nature, cats can not produce key vitamins and amino acids within their own bodies like omnivores can. They must get these nutrients from the flesh of other animals that have produced these nutrients already. Be careful of inexpensive grocery store brands as they contain many ingredients that are not essential for your cat’s health. Spend a little more on cat food and you will spend less in the long-run when Veterinary bills are added to the bottom line.

2. Covered Litter Box: Cats need a private and safe place to use the restroom and will be more inclined to use a litter box that offers both privacy and the feeling of safety. This is also essential in that it keeps litter in the box and off of your floors.

3. Clumping Kitty Litter: Some cat owners might feel that this is the best thing since sliced bread and their cats might concur. Cats are clean animals and will appreciate a clean place to do their business. Clumping kitty litter makes it easy to remove waste in between litter box cleanings.  

4. Collar with ID: While cats are indoor pets they do escape from time to time and a proper collar with identification will help to ensure her safe return to you in the event that she gets loose. Millions of cats end up in shelters every year and the proper identification will help yours not to become a statistic.

5. Cat Carrier: A portable, ventilated, plastic carrying case is an essential item for your cat. This provides safety when traveling in the car and also a place to safely keep your cat when making annual trips to the Veterinarian. Cats do not travel well in cars so the carrier provides a safe place for her and also cuts down on the risk of car accidents when driving with a frantic cat loose in the car.

6. Scratching Post: This essential carries a two-fold benefit. For one, it protects your furniture and drapes from kitty claw shredding. It also provides exercise and mental stimulation for your cat. She will use her claws to dig in and pull up her body weight. This allows for kitty equivalent to strength training and keeps her entertained as well.

7. Dental Cleaning Pads: The most common health problem among cats is dental related. These treated pads will help to remove plaque and tarter buildup on your cat’s teeth when rubbed along the teeth and gums. There are kitty toothbrushes available, but the pads are typically more tolerated on the part of the cat and easier for their owners to use.

8. Stimulating Toy: Cats love to play with toys whether they be homemade or store bought. Try a stick with a string tied to it and a ball on the end of the string. Bob it up and down and watch your cat give chase. Cats can also entertain themselves for long periods of time with a simply ping pong ball in a closed paper bag. Whichever route you take, make sure she has some toys to keep her occupied when you are away.

9. Window Perch: Cats love to jump up on things so why not create a special perch of their own? Window ledges covered in a carpet scrap will do the trick or more elaborate perches purchased through catalogues or in stores will work as well. Cats love to lounge in the sun while watching the world go by. Who knows, maybe if they have a perch of their own they will stay off the kitchen counters?

10. Regular Check-ups: Cats need regular yearly check-ups even when they appear healthy. Your Veterinarian can recommend many different solutions to prevent health problems while providing yearly vaccinations and performing other vital check-up services.

Article submitted by discount-pet-mall a site with pet steps, pet beds and pet gates.