2006-12-17 16:45:14 · 10 answers · asked by Neji Hyuga 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there...cats are extraodinary in taking good care of themselves, however they still need humans to set boundaries to ensure safe and healthy living. Cats do best when they have easy access to a litter box which is cleaned daily (no one likes to use stinky, dirty bathroom--cats are no exception), fed on a schedule rather than free fed to prevent overeating (most cats will eat out of boredom and become overweight, which causes feline diabetes). Cats need vaccinations and deworming especially young kittens to minimize the risk of feline diseases which all cats are born with. If anything unusual occurs it's important to ring a vet and ask if a visit is necessary.
Here are some web guides on basic cat care:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_catcare
http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/CatCare.html
http://www.xmission.com/~emailbox/tips.htm
2006-12-17 17:06:53 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The great thing about cats is they're really low maintenance.
It needs food, water and a liter box. If it's young, shower it with lots of affection, that will help to ensure that it's well adjusted and has a good temprement.
The issues with cats are individual kinda ones. Some cats scratch. Some spray, mine sprays.. stupid cat. They tend to be pretty mischivous, so just be good at letting things slide.
You can't smack it and have it learn, like a dog. It will just be afraid of you, not what it did.
2006-12-18 01:36:11 · answer #2 · answered by socialdeevolution 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meet the cats basic needs first; take it to the vet and get its shots and fixed. Keep the litter box clean, never feed it wet food and get to know it. (wet food can make cats seriously ill.) Good nutrition is often overlooked by most cat owners. When cats are sick they get mean. The food doesn't need to be some fancy expensive organic stuff; but never the cheap food. Flax oil, fish oil, brewers yeast- cat specific vitamin powders and treats(etc)
It makes a phenomenal difference in attitude and energy level. Most severe flea infestations are caused by when a cat isn't getting enough nutrition and loses its natural oils.
Don't give it baths unless you have to. Its bad for their skin and they will hate you for it. Give it time to come around. Cats don't bond as quickly to humans as other animals, they need lots of time to get to know you. Be patient. Although they might think they are independent they are every bit as venerable as a toddler.
With time, and effort, a cat is an amazing companion animal.
I can take mine out for walks and shes just as enthusiastic as a dog.
here are some sites that offer great advice;
2006-12-18 01:04:38 · answer #3 · answered by Bugg 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
cats can be very independent or very affectionate and needy. i have both types. respond to her/his needs as it indicates whether it wants to be alone or held. if its a kitten, i suggest lots of cuddling and playing. be gentle, cats are fragile. it needs water always nearby because cats are notorious for bladder stones. dry food is good for keeping teeth clean but also feed can (wet) food--this promotes healthy skin and fur. imagine if you only ate crackers every day? how would you look and feel. canned food is also good to keep them hydrated, helps with the bladder issues. but cats are nosy and curious. they must have toys for stimulation. a scratching post and a ball and toy mouse would be sufficient. keep it indoors. it can be trained to walk on a leash and harness if you have gentle patience. let the cat lead; you don't pull them like when walking a dog; the walk is for kitty's benefit so let her go where she wants. buy 'advantage' flea control--its a liquid that goes on the shoulderblades once a month--100x better than any flea collar or powder. get it vaccinated and always have its collar and tags on. a cat will escape so quick thru an open door or torn screen. show him/her a little kindness and you'll get heaps of unconditional love in return. :)
2006-12-18 01:33:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Food, water and a clean litter box. Alot of love. Cats are natural meat eaters, so give canned food on top of dry food. They really don't need to be given a bath, they clean themselves and do not smell. They do need flea treatment, especially if you let them go outside.
2006-12-18 00:55:55 · answer #5 · answered by doris_38133 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
clean water, good food, clean litter box, and toys are the basics. take him to the vet, (especially if he's a stray cat, or a kitten) they will check for anything and everything, cats loved to be brushed, dont feed him table scraps, and give him lots of love! cats love to play in boxes and paper bags.
2006-12-18 03:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by superyduperymommy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need three things... a litter box, food, and water. You may have different issues depending on the individual cat. Scratching the furniture can be areal problem, but, these things can be dealt with as they come.
2006-12-18 00:53:57 · answer #7 · answered by Kareen L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are self-sufficent, just make sure they have food and water and they will take care of themselves. But always remember, " Dogs have masters,cats have servants".
2006-12-18 00:59:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
All you need is a litter box, food and water.
2006-12-18 00:49:07 · answer #9 · answered by jrsygrl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give it food, fresh water and love!
2006-12-18 00:48:03 · answer #10 · answered by desertblue62 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋