How to Care for Cats

Cats are the currently the most popular pets in the world. In 2007, it was reported that there were 37 million cats in the US. It is not surprisingly so because they are very valuable companions. Aside from hunting down rodents, they are also very caring companions. That is why for at least nine millennia cats have been associated with humans. They are even found buried along with kings and pharaohs.

Male cats can live up to 12 to 14 years while the female can live to more than 2 years than the male. They are more active at night but generally cats spend more time sleeping than awake. A cat sleeps 12 to 16 hours a day. They can also fall asleep very rapidly thus the term cat nap. Another favorite activity of cats is grooming. When they are not sleeping, cats groom themselves by licking their coats.

When keeping a cat as a pet, there are things that should be learned by its owner in order for the cat to grow healthy. One of this is that they need a well-balanced diet. Cats should be feed with food rich in vitamins and minerals. Proper food should be given to them.

It would be crazy to feed your cat with Blue Buffalo brand dog food. Cat would however love it if they are given Chicken Soup for the pet Lover and Soul Adult Dry cat food. Fish, poultry and milk should be included in a cat’s diet. In addition, they should be given fresh water every day.

Cats are very particular in their grooming. They spend many hours grooming themselves. Therefore a pet owner should remember to keep their cat clean to maintain its good health. It is good to bathe them regularly even if they hate it. Shampooing them can help keep their coats clean so they can’t swallow the grime they lick. It is also important to keep their litter box clean.

Since cats love to sleep (there are cats that sleep for 20 hours), they should also be provided a comfortable spot to lie down. You can provide it with a box with rags or buy a cat bed just so they can sleep well.

Cats are a very curious lot. They love to explore places, so it is important to keep the attic, basement and front doors closed so they cannot go to places where they should not go to. String like objects should also be kept out of their reach because these things attract cats and they have a tendency to eat them. Since cats love to explore they might find a way out of the house so it is wise to put a tag on them.

Cats are also prone to diseases so it is important that they go to the veterinary regularly. Cats are susceptible to heart, kidney and dental diseases as well as cancer. To keep them far from these diseases it is advisable that they are given regular vaccinations. 
These are just some of the things that should be remembered when you have a cat as a pet.