Kitty Cat
Care Sheet
Care Sheet
Cats are deservedly popular pets with playful and affectionate personalities. The
maintenance requirements of a cat are reasonable and they can be kept singly, or with
other cats. Given proper care a cat can bring joy into your life for 10-14 years, or more.
maintenance requirements of a cat are reasonable and they can be kept singly, or with
other cats. Given proper care a cat can bring joy into your life for 10-14 years, or more.
Cats need daily attention to keep them happy and healthy. Spend time playing with your cat
each day. Most cats love to explore paper bags, chase a flashlight beam or pounce on toys.
Although cats do groom themselves, regular brushing is important to avoid hairballs and keep
the coat sleek. Long-haired cats need special care to prevent mats forming and remove excess
shedding hair. Nail tips should be clipped on a regular basis. This will also help to discourage
scratching on furnishings. Keeping your cats teeth clean and free of food particles will help
prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
Cats that stay indoors live longer, healthier lives than those allowed to go outside. Outdoor cats
risk getting lost or suffering an early death due to disease, traffic accidents, fighting, attack or
poisoning. Make sure your cat wears a safety collar with ID tag, or has a microchip for
identification, just in case of accidents or if he gets lost. Provide a roomy litter box filled with
clean litter, preferably dust-free, and place it in a quiet, private area. Make sure your cat knows
where the litter box is and keep it scooped out daily. Cats are fastidious creatures and many will
not use a dirty litter box. Give your cat a soft bed or blanket and a selection of safe toys and
your pet will not need to roam. Scratching posts are recommended to divert scratching activity
away from your furnishings.
Feeding your cat good quality, commercial cat food will greatly aid your pets chances of
enjoying a long and healthy life. A variety of canned and dry food, high in protein from animal
sources, will ensure a balanced diet, making supplements unnecessary. Make sure your cat
has fresh water at all times, but milk is not recommended. Dry food can be free fed unless your
cat becomes obese. A hairball preventative can be given if your cat tends to ingest a lot of hair
when grooming.
Scoop out the litter box daily and refresh litter. Occasionally empty the litter box and scrub with
hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly and refill with fresh litter. Water and food bowls should be
washed daily, along with shaking out your cats bedding. Wash the bedding as needed to keep
it fresh and clean.
All pet cats should be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted kittens adding to the enormous
pet overpopulation problem. In addition, spaying and neutering prevents health problems and
reduces undesirable behavior, such as fighting and urine spraying, resulting in a more
enjoyable pet.
Cats and kittens need to be vaccinated against infectious feline diseases and rabies. Find a
good veterinarian and schedule annual check-ups and boosters. Be observant and consult
your vet if you notice signs of illness or injury such as: a dull and patchy coat; lack of appetite;
persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea; difficulty urinating; discharge from eyes or nose, or
sneezing. Many cat owners like to use a topical flea treatment to keep their pets and home free
from flea infestations.
Warnings
Anti-freeze, string, yarn, ribbons and rubber bands can be fatal if swallowed by a cat.
Remember to put them away safely.
each day. Most cats love to explore paper bags, chase a flashlight beam or pounce on toys.
Although cats do groom themselves, regular brushing is important to avoid hairballs and keep
the coat sleek. Long-haired cats need special care to prevent mats forming and remove excess
shedding hair. Nail tips should be clipped on a regular basis. This will also help to discourage
scratching on furnishings. Keeping your cats teeth clean and free of food particles will help
prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
Cats that stay indoors live longer, healthier lives than those allowed to go outside. Outdoor cats
risk getting lost or suffering an early death due to disease, traffic accidents, fighting, attack or
poisoning. Make sure your cat wears a safety collar with ID tag, or has a microchip for
identification, just in case of accidents or if he gets lost. Provide a roomy litter box filled with
clean litter, preferably dust-free, and place it in a quiet, private area. Make sure your cat knows
where the litter box is and keep it scooped out daily. Cats are fastidious creatures and many will
not use a dirty litter box. Give your cat a soft bed or blanket and a selection of safe toys and
your pet will not need to roam. Scratching posts are recommended to divert scratching activity
away from your furnishings.
Feeding your cat good quality, commercial cat food will greatly aid your pets chances of
enjoying a long and healthy life. A variety of canned and dry food, high in protein from animal
sources, will ensure a balanced diet, making supplements unnecessary. Make sure your cat
has fresh water at all times, but milk is not recommended. Dry food can be free fed unless your
cat becomes obese. A hairball preventative can be given if your cat tends to ingest a lot of hair
when grooming.
Scoop out the litter box daily and refresh litter. Occasionally empty the litter box and scrub with
hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly and refill with fresh litter. Water and food bowls should be
washed daily, along with shaking out your cats bedding. Wash the bedding as needed to keep
it fresh and clean.
All pet cats should be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted kittens adding to the enormous
pet overpopulation problem. In addition, spaying and neutering prevents health problems and
reduces undesirable behavior, such as fighting and urine spraying, resulting in a more
enjoyable pet.
Cats and kittens need to be vaccinated against infectious feline diseases and rabies. Find a
good veterinarian and schedule annual check-ups and boosters. Be observant and consult
your vet if you notice signs of illness or injury such as: a dull and patchy coat; lack of appetite;
persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea; difficulty urinating; discharge from eyes or nose, or
sneezing. Many cat owners like to use a topical flea treatment to keep their pets and home free
from flea infestations.
Warnings
Anti-freeze, string, yarn, ribbons and rubber bands can be fatal if swallowed by a cat.
Remember to put them away safely.