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Cat
Care Basics You Need to Know!
Inside
Cat or Outside Cat...
Is There a Difference?
Cat
Care Basics begin with the decision of whether your cat will be cared
for as a family member or left to fend for himself. So does it make a
difference whether he lives indoors or out, even part of the time?
Yes it does...about ten or more years of life for most felines.
The average cat that is relegated to living outside has a life
expectancy of three years or less compared to the cat that
lives indoors that can live up to 15-20 years according to some studies.
There
is an on-going myth that animals relegated to outside life are somehow
happier.
This myth is especially true of cats. Some people believe that because
of a
cat's very nature as a hunter and prowler that he would rather be left
outdoors, away from his owners and left to fend for
himself. Knowing what your feline needs is important and understanding
the cat care basics are key.
Despite the
overwhelming evidence that cats live much longer, healthier, and
happier lives indoors where they're protected from the elements and
harm, there are still too many cat owners who just don't get it!
I recently met a neighborhood cat that more than proved it to me.
While
in my backyard one afternoon, I was greeted by the friendliest orange
striped cat. He
walked up to me and began to purr and push his head against my leg as
if to be petted. He wore a collar, although to small for him, and a
name tag with a phone number. I wasn't too concerned about him since it
was during the day and I assumed he lived nearby.
That
evening I noticed he was sleeping on one of my patio chairs. The
temperatures where we live had been in the 100's and I began to worry
he may need water. I put a bowl out for him and he took a cool drink.
To
my surprise this sweet cat was in that same chair the next morning! I
decided to call the number on his name tag. The owner immediately
informed me that he was an "outside" cat and would return home on his
own. "What
sort of breed is an 'outside' cat?" I asked, as well as
reminding her of the extreme temperature outside.
He
continued to hang around into the next day. I was trying to avoid the
temptation of feeding him to encourage his return home, but I feared he
most likely hadn't eaten much if at all. He seemed more focused on
catching our attention anytime we happened to open the door.
After
a second phone call and acquiring the owners address (which she gave up
reluctantly), we walked him home. There were several empty cans of
cheap cat food strung around the yard and it was obvious that this cat
was most likely never allowed indoors. (During my years as
a professional pet sitter I never allowed leftover canned or
moist food to remain exposed as it can and will spoil)
The
cat's owner tried making a convincing case for her lack of care, but I
was less than interested in the explanations. This poor cat was not
getting any of his needs met properly much less the simple cat care
basics he deserved. He had scars on his head from scuffles with other
animals, suffered with ear
mites, had infection in both eyes, and who knows
what else he might have been afflicted with.
What to do if you find a lost pet...
So
why on earth do these people own cat's in the first place!
There
is no such thing as an "outside" pet; cat or dog! All
pet's need and deserve to be near their families (owners), and to be
loved and cared for by them. It took us almost a week of walking this
cat back home daily before he quit showing up. It broke my
heart
because it was so obvious that all he wanted was affection and
companionship.
Cat's can face a variety of dangers from being left to roam outdoors. Danger from
automobiles, predators, cruelty, parasites, and poisons
just to name a few. In
the summer they are exposed to extreme temperatures and a lack of fresh
clean water; in the winter they are exposed to harsh freezing
temperatures and need extra calories for protection from
hypothermia.
Imagine being a senior citizen and living
with the pain of arthritis and nothing but hard, cold ground to lie
on. It's the harsh daily reality of many cats. I'll never forget the
sadness I witnessed in the eyes of the sweet cat who wandered into my
yard that day. I believe he was looking for a new family who would show
him
affection and let him live indoors where he felt safe and loved.
Domestic
cats may be independent in nature but they are completely dependent on
their humans for their needs.
 What
does your cat's basic
daily care require:
Beyond
the annual vet check-ups & vaccinations, cat flea control and
heartworm prevention, and the decision to spay or neuter; there are
some daily cat care basics to consider for your feline companion.
Consult
your veterinarian for recommendations based on your cat's stage of life
and health history. Keeping your cat from becoming overweight is as
vital to his health as the food you feed him, so treats should
be
factored into his daily calories and nutrition as well.
Most
importantly, don't let price dictate your cat's diet. His overall
health depends on your choices.
- Cat
Care Basics: Exercise
Felines are naturally inquisitive and playful. They need daily exercise
and mental stimulation just as humans do.
Whether
you train your cat to walk with you outside on a leash, or
simply
provide him with toys designed for cats indoors, he will appreciate
having some variety.
A scratching post or two is a must for your
feline friend; there are many styles to choose from so finding one that
fits your home or style shouldn't be difficult.
- Cat
Care Basics: Grooming
Cat's
do groom themselves but there are many reasons for you to make
this a habit. Long haired cats develop hairballs more easily
during shedding seasons from excess hair and need extra
grooming.
Daily
brushing will keep the amount of shedding to a minimum and many cats
find it relaxing and soothing.
Brushing provides some great bonding time with you as well. Make sure
you choose grooming tools specific to the length and type of your cat's
fur.
- Cat
Care Basics: Cat
Dental Care
Get
in the habit very early on of brushing your cat's teeth daily. Begin
this with your new kitten's care. This is the best way to help him
avoid
excess tartar and plaque build-up, periodontal disease, tooth
extraction, and health issues.
Dental care is as important as your cat's nutritional needs.
Good dental care is directly correlated to keeping him in good health.
- Cat
Care Basics: Time for Rest
Your
cat will appreciate his own comfy bed to curl up in for long naps, as
well as a perch or two to view the world from (preferably close to
window). There are many styles and choices to choose from and
fit any budget.
His
size and age should be considered when making your choice.
If he's an aging cat, he may need an orthopedic type bed in case he
suffers pain or arthritis. Remember comfort is key, not just
affordability.
- Cat
Care Basics: Elimination
It
goes without saying that a cat box and litter are necessities. Here
again there are many different types to choose from. If your cat is a
senior he may appreciate a cat box with low walls to climb in and out
of.
Some cats prefer more privacy and do better with a cat box complete
with a hood for this reason. If you have a two or three story
home
then your cat will definitely appreciate more than one location to do
his business, especially in the middle of the night!
Consult
your veterinarian for suggestions on cat litter. Not all litter is
created equal and not all are good for your cat.
Cat care basics certainly go beyond your cat's daily needs. You've made a
lifetime commitment to care for your feline companion and he's
depending on you to be prepared.
Sources:
Humane Society of the U.S.
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than dogs who are omnivores.