how to take care a cat

For a pet lover, nothing can be more pleasurable than spending leisure time, with the animal. Apart from playing with the pet, a responsible pet owner should devote time to groom his/her pet. As far as cats are concerned, they need to be taken special care of, because they are highly dependent on their owners. If you are one among the pet owners, looking for some tips to take care of your cat, this article is the right for you. Go through the following lines and learn how to take care of your cat.

How To Take Care Of Cat

• The prerequisite for the healthy growth of a cat is a well-balanced diet. Therefore, feed your cat with a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Include meat, poultry and fish in the pet's diet. Many brands now offer quality cat food, which you can buy for your pet. Feed your cat with fresh water, every day. You may use cat self watering unit for the purpose.
• Hygiene is essential for maintaining good health. Hence, bathe your cat regularly. Keep the litter box clean.
• Your cat may spend maximum time in sleeping. If your pet stays indoors, make sure that you provide a comfortable spot to lay down. Purchase a cat bed for the purpose.
• The best way to keep your cat occupied is to provide it with pet toys.
• Cats have unquenchable curiosity to explore things. Hence, keep attic doors, basement doors and front door closed, so that your pet doesn't land into the 'danger zones' both indoors and outdoors.
• Keep string-like objects, like tinsel, thread and rubber bands out of the reach of your cat, because the pet is easily attracted to such objects and tends to eat them.
• Like human beings, cats are also prone to diseases related to kidney, heart, dental diseases and chronic ailments like cancer. Hence, get your cat vaccinated. Regular veterinary check ups are also necessary.
• Neutering (removal of reproductive organ of the animal, to stop reproduction) becomes essential at one stage of life, when your cat has produced enough offspring. The procedure is called spayed (for females) and castrated (for males). The procedure helps control unwanted birth of kittens, thereby minimizing the risk of problems in the cat, associated with its reproductive tract.
• Train the cat to abstain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Disciplining cat is very important to maintain a cordial bonding with the pet.
• You would not want to loose your cat. Therefore, when you are going from trips with your pet, put collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number around the cat
• Cats spend indefinite time, licking and cleaning themselves. Hence, it is advisable to clean your cat regularly. Make use of a cat shampoo. While shampooing your pet, be sure not to put the shampoo into its eyes, because the chemical irritates the eyes. Groom your pet. Brush its hair, especially if it is a long-haired breed, so that it stays clean and free from loose fur.
• Always reward your cat for desired behavior. This motivates the pet to repeat the positive things time and again and helps you to create a strong bond with it.

Info from http://pets.iloveindia.com/cats/cat-care.html