Basic Cat Care

You'll need to brush up on basic cat care now that you've made the decision to welcome a new furry friend into your home. How do you properly care for the newest member of your family? It's relatively easy to care for cats. They are pretty self-sufficient in many ways, but there are still things you need to do to ensure that your new cat lives a long, happy, healthy life.

• Time for a checkup! When you first get your kitty, make sure to have him checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible to make sure he is up to date on immunizations, and to make sure he is not suffering from any common cat ailments, such as parasites or feline leukemia. Also talk to your vet about the best time to spay or neuter your kitten. Once you and your kitty have settled into a happy life together, make sure to bring him in for checkups annually so he stays healthy.
• Thinking inside the box. You're going to need to set up a litter box for Kitty. It is best to put the box in an out-of-the-way yet accessible location. A corner of the bathroom is ideal. Just make sure that the box is easily accessible to your cat, otherwise she may not want to make the effort to get to it. Be sure to keep the box clean. Cats are meticulous creatures, and if the box is not up to their standards, they may not use it. If you have more than one cat, each should have its own litter box.
• Dinner time! Of course, you will need to feed your new cat. Get him a set of nice, sturdy dishes. Ceramic or stainless steel with a wide base to avoid tipping is best. Be sure to always provide fresh, clean water. As for what to feed your kitty, there are many options. Dry food, canned food and semi-moist food come in a variety of formulations based on age, weight, environment or specific medical issues. Talk to your vet to determine what the best food option is for your cat.
• Ready for her close-up. While cats are pretty fastidious when it comes to keeping themselves clean, long-haired cats in particular will need regular brushing and grooming to keep their coats smooth and shiny and to keep hairballs under control. You will also need to invest in a pair of kitty nail clippers to keep her nails trimmed. Nail trimming is one of the more challenging tasks in cat care, but with a little practice, it's not so hard. Press gently on her paw to expose the claw, and then snip off the end, being very careful not to cut into the quick of the nail. Many cat owners find that wrapping kitty in a towel makes the manicure session go a little easier.
• Play Time!  In addition to basic feeding and grooming, your cat will also need some toys to keep him amused. Invest in a good scratching post to save your furniture. Cats aren't too picky when it comes to playthings. A plastic cap from the milk jug is likely to be just as interesting to Kitty as the little toy you bought at the pet store. Once you find something your cat likes, have a few on hand or be prepared to retrieve lost toys from beneath the sofa and the refrigerator.  

The most important thing of all is to make sure you give plenty of love and affection to your new furry friend. She will no doubt return the favor many times over.