{"id":1315,"date":"2020-02-28T10:09:46","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T09:09:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=1315"},"modified":"2023-02-09T17:50:51","modified_gmt":"2023-02-09T17:50:51","slug":"cat-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Purrfect Cat Care: A Pawsome Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cats make the purr-fect companions. They are loveable, affectionate, and their antics will keep you amused for days on end. But what can you give in return? How can you provide the best <\/span>cat care<\/span> for your feline?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We got the answer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you are a first-time owner needing guidance on dealing with a new member in your household or an experienced cat fancier looking to brush up on your feline caring skills, we’re here to help. <\/span><\/p>\n

Check out some of the best and most useful tips to make sure you give your pet the care and attention they need and deserve.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Take Care of a Cat<\/span>: General Tips<\/span><\/h2>\n

Feeding Your Feline Friend<\/span><\/h3>\n

One of the essential things your cat requires, other than your unwavering love and undivided attention, is food.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although factors such as age and health determine your pet\u2019s overall diet, most cats should be fed once or twice a day. <\/span><\/p>\n

Like their big cousins in the wild, cats are carnivores, so <\/span>taking care of a cat <\/span>means providing a well-balanced diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. In other words, more meat and less (or no) grains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, this is a point that cannot be stressed enough: cats should only eat cat food<\/a>. Human food does not provide them with the nutrients they need. <\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, some human foods, like onion and garlic, are poisonous to cats<\/a>, whereas giving them chocolate, raisins, or grapes could lead to nasty stomach bleeding. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you, however, feed your feline companion something other than cat food, <\/span>cat care<\/span> rules suggest checking the label for any ingredients that might cause unwanted health issues for your pet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t cheap out when it comes to cat food. Whether you buy canned or dry food, or a combination of both, know that high-quality food costs a little extra. <\/span><\/p>\n

Still, it is better in the long run as it will save you many trips to the vet and provide a better quality of life for your kitty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s another <\/span>cat care tip<\/span>: keeping a close eye on your cat’s food intake is an excellent way to monitor their health. A sudden decrease in appetite is a sure sign of health problems, so talk to your vet if you notice any changes in their eating patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Water Is Life<\/span><\/h3>\n

In addition to being well-fed, cats also need plenty of water. Refilling their water bowl at least once a day or investing in a water fountain will go a long way towards keeping your cat healthy and content.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Care for a Cat<\/span>: Providing Treats<\/span><\/h3>\n

We all want our cats to love us as much as we love them, but bribing them with treats is not the way to go. <\/span><\/p>\n

Too much food, especially unhealthy food, leads to obesity and heart problems, so limit your generosity to one or two pieces a day. Remember: treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet\u2019s daily calorie intake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cats and Milk<\/span><\/h3>\n

Here\u2019s a <\/span>fascinating fact about cats<\/span><\/a>: most cats are lactose intolerant. Kittens <\/span>can <\/span><\/i>digest milk, but only a few adult cats retain that ability. <\/span>Cat care 101<\/span> says that giving your kitty-cat cream and milk, especially cow’s milk, can lead to an upset stomach or, worse \u2014 diarrhea. <\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, milk should be avoided altogether as it is not a part of a cat\u2019s nutritional requirement and is quite fattening.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other foods that may cause GI issues or <\/span>pancreatitis in cats include raw eggs and raw fish. Bones aren\u2019t a good idea either, as they can cause the cat to choke, perforate their intestines, or cause dental problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basic Cat Care<\/span>: What\u2019s the Scoop on Litter Boxes?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Indoor cats must have a litter box to do their business. It should be in a quiet location and as far away from the water and food bowls as possible. Litter boxes should be cleaned regularly and never with ammonia or detergents.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s OK if your cat doesn\u2019t want to use the litter box at first. Not all felines have an instinct to use it, so sometimes training will be necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the <\/span>cat care<\/span> rulebook advises on contacting a veterinarian if your cat still refuses to use her litter box (and the box is clean). Avoiding the litter box could be a sign of infection or some other medical issue and shouldn\u2019t be taken lightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once your cat gets used to using a litter box, you can invest in a self-cleaning one that simply makes your life easier and ensures the litter is always clean for your let.<\/p>\n

Cat Grooming<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cats usually clean themselves, so there\u2019s not much to do here except leave them to their own devices, although human intervention is sometimes required. <\/span><\/p>\n

For more information and tips, check out our <\/span>cat grooming guide<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cat Care Guide<\/span> to Nail Trimming and Declawing<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cats love to scratch, and there’s very little humans can do to stop them. Investing in a sturdy scratch post or pad will keep your cat happy and your furniture intact.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trimming your cat\u2019s nails is part of the natural grooming process, and it\u2019s highly recommended by both vets and pet owners alike. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re unsure of <\/span>how to take care of cats<\/span>\u2019 nails or you\u2019re feeling nervous about the prospect of giving your pet a \u201cmani-pedi,\u201d it might be a good idea to leave it to the pros.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, declawing is a surgical procedure in which the last toe bone of the cat is amputated. <\/span><\/p>\n

It is extremely painful (on humans, it would be like cutting off your fingers at the knuckles), and more often than not, utterly unnecessary as there are other ways to control your cat\u2019s scratching habits.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you <\/span>do <\/span><\/i>decide on this procedure and are wondering <\/span>how to take care of a cat after declawing<\/span>, here are a few tips:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n