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  THE CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR CAT (Installment One)

    There are many good commercial foods on the market that are available in a variety of formulations.  For example, you can purchase food specifically for a kitten, an older cat, an overweight cat,  cats with kidney problems, etc.  Speak with your vet who will recommend a diet that is best for your cat. 

   Cats thrive on foods that are specially formulated for their nutritional needs, therefore, forget about feeding it table scraps.  Cats, finicky eaters that they are, are also creatures of habit.  They will become used to a particular food and, believe it or not, will eat it everyday. 

   Always provide plenty of fresh water.

   Cats love specially formulated treats.  We've even taught several  cats to "sit up and beg" for their favorite variety. 

   An overweight cat is an unhealthy cat!  Speak with your veterinarian about helping your fat feline to drop some excess weight.  Introduce exercise into your cat's routine with cat toys.  One we like:  a "Cat Dancer," or similar toy that has a feather or something equally attractive to cats suspended from a flexible wire that you manipulate.  You'll have your cat chasing, jumping, running in circles and rediscovering his kittenish ways, while providing you with lots of smiles too. 

   On the subject of cat toys:  balls of yarn, string and bells can be dangerous to cats that might ingest these.  Ingested string can cause a host of nasty problems and might even require surgery if the cat does not pass the string on her own.  Warning:  If you notice string protruding from your cat's rectum, DO NOT pull it.  Instead, bring your cat to the vet or emergency animal clinic ASAP.

   Certain house plants can be toxic to cats.  They include, but are not limited to, dieffenbachia, also known as dumb cane; poinsettia; and geranium.  Before bringing a plant or flowers into the house, check with the florist, nursery, or your vet to learn if the plant is harmful if eaten by your cat.

   Cats are attracted to antifreeze - and it is toxic if they ingest it.  Keep antifreeze in a place where you know your cat - or an unsuspecting stray - cannot get it.

   Contrary to popular belief, cow's milk is not easily digested by your cat.  Water is their beverage of choice.

   Unless you plan to breed your cat, have it neutered.  Speak with your vet who will recommend the appropriate time to do this.  Each week, tens of thousands of unwanted cats and kittens are euthanized.  This number can be minimized dramatically if pets were neutered. 

   If you plan to declaw your kitten or cat - and we don't necessarily advocate this - speak with your vet about the pros and cons.  Declawed cats should not be allowed out-of-doors.  Declawing removes one of the cat's natural defenses against predators.  It is cruel to allow a cat that can't protect itself into the "wild", even though the wild may be your suburban streets.

Questions or comments? Contact us.