Cats might be known for having 9 lives and being able to deal with falls,
fights and things that no other animal could possibly handle, however they do
still need to be cared for like any other treasured pet – so much like caring
for a pampered pooch, you will need to make sure that you have one fussed up
feline that is eating, sleeping and looking healthy whether it is frantically
chasing a ball of cotton around the house or is curled up in a ball beside the
fire for the true definition of a 'cat nap'.
But how do you go about caring for your
pet cat? With each cat being different,
you could have more of a fussy feline than a fussed-up one, but there are always
some good rules and practices to stand by throughout the lengthy 9 lives of your
cat. What are they you ask? Read on and get your claws into each tip!
You might be reading this before even owning a cat, and if you are about to
embark on becoming a first-time cat owner it is worth knowing that even though
cats might not be in such definable breeds as dogs are, they definitely aren't
simple 'shop-bought' items which all act the same, licking their paws, chasing a
cotton ball and meowing over and over like in the adverts.
There are many different things to consider and before making your final
choice, it is worth ensuring that all of their specific characteristics match up
with what you want and your own personal lifestyle. For example, long-haired
cats might look graceful, unique, cuddly, soft and all the other superlatives
you could conjure up when scrolling through photos of them, however it is up to
you to put in the time and the grooming to ensure they stay this way and that
this fur doesn't become matted.
Other such considerations include choosing whether you want to take on the
high-maintenance of a kitten or possibly go for an adult rescue cat, which may
have its own characteristics and traits – then of course it's sex, breed,
whether you would like an orange tabby cat to become your very own Garfield, a
solid color black cat to be your Salem or instead something completely unique?
There is so much to consider, so get researching before making the choice and
moving into the years of love and care.
The first point of care should always be food and drink – just like it is
with humans. You could be showered, your hair curled and sprayed, make-up on and
wearing the most beautiful dress you've ever seen, however without food and
water you will be nothing. It all starts with food and paying attention to your
cat in this area is the best possible way to achieving a healthy, cared for cat.
But what should you feed it?
The cat food industry is huge, seeing supermarket shelves lined with
different brands and different choices which range between dry cat food, wet cat
food and various treats or snacks, and while you might be blinded by the lights
of the cute adverts with claims of an 'ultimate cat health solution' you need to
be weary because at the end of the day, these are just promotional tools to make
a profit. No matter what the adverts say, your cat will need meat to stay
healthy and to avoid problems such as heart issues and even blindness – meaning
that a diet of completely dry cat food is a definite no-no.
Always remember to regularly keep your cat eating meat and to provide it with
an even mix between dry and wet food – and then just like with our eating
habits, only save the treats for the special occasions!
Healthy eating will have a knock on effect as to how well your cat actually
looks, however you will still need to groom it to ensure that people aren't
mistaking it for a lion, like some people recently did with a rather large and
fluffy Maine Coon in Essex. This level of grooming will of course depend on the
type of cat you have chosen, with long haired cats requiring a regular brush,
while short haired cats will still need a good going over.
Spend out a little and invest in a specialised metal brush, cat nail clippers
and a flea comb, then from an early age make the process of grooming something
that isn’t a chore but instead enjoyable and relaxing for the cat. Practice
caution, brush gently along with constant fuss and know when enough is enough –
then you will have one gorgeously groomed cat.
