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Home      Useful Information
                                         
 
     Information on Housing, Health, Feeding, Behavior & Grooming
                                            
Housing               


 
 
 
 
 

*Cats should be kept indoors for their safety.

*Choose a pet carrier that is one or 2 inches taller than your pet’s standing height.

*Provide shelves and surfaces that can be reached easily to provide escape route from other    pets and small children that may cause the cat concern.

*Cats like privacy.  Try placing their litter box in a quiet area of the house.

*Do not place the cat’s food bowls close to their litter box.  Cats are fastidious and do not like it.  They may not use the litter box.

*Cats can be picky about their litter so be consistent.  Make sure the litter box is clean.  Scoop at least once a day.  Prevent accidents, keep it clean.

*Refresh with totally new litter once a month.  Wash the litter box with hot soapy water and rinse before adding the new litter.

*A sudden change in litter may cause your cat to stop using it.  If you are going to change brands, do it gradually.

*If your cat misses the litter box with feces;the cat may need a larger box.  You can use a box with high sides or place the box inside a larger one.

 
Health

*Catnip aids digestion.

*Scratching their ears could be a sign of ear infection.  If they have a nose discharge with it, then you should see a vet.

*Spay/Neuter after 5 months and between 6 & 8 months.  Do not wait for cat to have first heat or litter.  This is of no benefit.
 
Feeding

*Cats eat little and often.  Feed 2 to 3 small meals daily.  It probably would be best for you to leave a little dry food out and available for your cat all the time.  

*Give fresh water daily.  Encourage your cat to drink more water.  This helps the prevention of urinary tract disease.  Fresh flowing water using a fountain is more attractive to and healthier for cats. 

*Do not place the cat’s food bowls close to their litter box.  Cats are fastidious and do not like it.  They may not use the litter box.

 
Behavior
 
*Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day.  They love a soft and fluffy place to curl up.
 
*They mark their scent by rubbing their head or body against an object or human.  This is reassurance that the object or human smells like home and represents safety.
 
*Cats require frequent and consistent interaction and acceptance by their human family to feel secure.
 
*Purring, short meows and squeals generally shows contentment and affection.  But cats can also purr when they are in pain.
 
*Scratching or sharpening claws is a necessary behavior.  The cat will stretch as exercise while sharpening claws.  Provide proper scratching posts.  Make sure the post is the proper size for your cat.
 
*Cats will dig in their claws while being stroked.  This is natural and you will not be able to train them to stop.
 
*A fit and healthy cat can jump up to 5 times his own height.
 
*Cats may spray in strategic places if they feel their territory is threatened.  This fills their territory with their scent and makes them feel more secure.
 
*Some things that can cause a cat to spray in a home can be;
   Smells brought in on shoes and bags.
   The cat is being bullied by another cat in the house.
 
*Remember to introduce new pet members gradually.  See  >>Bringing Kittie Home
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Grooming

*Cats are self grooming and naturally clean.  Occasional bathing may be necessary.
 
*Medium and long haired cats will need daily brushing.
 
*Give occasional treats created to help with hairball prevention.
 
*Trim claws as needed.
 
*Cats have a small collarbone.  They have more supporting muscle than other animals.  Since their shoulders are not rigid, this allows them to be very flexible when grooming and pouncing on toys and prey.
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