Cats are the most popular pets in North America and
Europe. they were once described as "asocial animals."
Like dogs, cats need attention too. When you bring a new
kitten or cat home as a pet you will have to decide
whether he or
she will be an indoor or will be allowed outdoors.
Free-roaming cats are prone to more illnesses and have a
much shorter life expectancy, as they can be hit by
cars, attacked by other animals and exposed to internal
as well as external parasites such as fleas, worms, ear
mites. Equally, if your cat never ventures outside, you
must provide him or her with physical and mental
stimulation, including interaction with humans,
exercise, scratching posts, and clean toilet area.
Playing with your Cat
Playtime helps keep your cat healthy and
happy. It is important that you make sure that your cat
or kitten has ample opportunity for interesting
and challenging play that satisfies the basic feline
instincts.
There are many toys you can purchase at
your local pet store for playing with your new kitten or
cat try to find toys that:
Bounce or
Flutter-they love the "chase," the "hunt" and
finally the "capture"
Move- such as moving
lights-mirrors or flashlights
Dangle-Ball of aluminum foil and a
long string-attach it around your waist or belt. As
you move, the cat follows jumps, etc. trying to
catch the foil ball. The interaction is great for
them.
Try each day to have a play session with your pet
especially if they are left alone a lot.
Scratching Post
Scratching is very natural for cats.
Scratching allows cats and kittens to leave chemical and
visual signals that, among other functions, serve as
"messages" for other cats and animals. However, this can
become a problem for the owner if your new kitten or cat
pet begins scratching the furniture or carpet in your
home. If this should happen, you can cover the
temptation up or use plastic Nail Caps
that are glued to the cat's claws. these caps must be
cut and replaced each month and some cats do not
tolerate them. More practical solutions are available,
provide the kitten or cat with a scratching place or
post of their own. They may be fussy as to what type of
post they like the best. Not all commercial scratching
posts are equally attractive to all cats. Sisal,
cardboard, wood or wood composite surfaced scratching
posts some cats find preferable. Some cat pet owners
will make their own posts out of soft logs, tree stumps,
or a piece of wood covered in sisal or another
like-material with a longitudinal weave. The most
important thing to remember when purchasing or building
a post is that it must be taller than the cat when he
stands on his hind feet, and sturdy enough not to tip
over. The post must be in a easily cat accessible area.
A board 6-8 inches wide by 12-14 inches long attached to
a wall will work as well. Regardless of the ragged look
of the used scratching post, do not discard, the worst
it looks the more the cat or kitten will love and use
it.
The best
long term solution to scratching
problems is declawing the front
or all 4 paws.
Cats are fastidious animals. Providing your pet with
clean, easily accessible toilet area will help to
minimize any litter problems. Cats general prefer
unscented, soft textured fine litter. some cats like to
urinate in one box and defecate in another. Ideally a
two cat household should have three litter boxes placed
on different floors or in different rooms. Do not put
boxes next to noisy equipment such as furnaces or
washing machines. Cats like quiet. Scoop out fecal
matter and urine clumps daily. Wash boxes with mild soap
weekly.
Spraying or urine marking is a normal behavior in cats
with intact sexual organs, and as well in some neutered
male or spayed female cats. 10% of males
and
5% of female adult cats spray regularly. Spraying is
often associated with the presence of other cats or
other stresses, such as changes in the cat's
environment, or may even be a change in the amount of
time a cat is left alone, which may cause anxiety. Talk
to Klima Small Animal Clinic veterinarians for possible
treatments.
she will be an indoor or will be allowed outdoors.
Free-roaming cats are prone to more illnesses and have a
much shorter life expectancy, as they can be hit by
cars, attacked by other animals and exposed to internal
as well as external parasites such as fleas, worms, ear
mites. Equally, if your cat never ventures outside, you
must provide him or her with physical and mental
stimulation, including interaction with humans,
exercise, scratching posts, and clean toilet area. 
and
5% of female adult cats spray regularly. Spraying is
often associated with the presence of other cats or
other stresses, such as changes in the cat's
environment, or may even be a change in the amount of
time a cat is left alone, which may cause anxiety. Talk
to Klima Small Animal Clinic veterinarians for possible
treatments.