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 For
your cat pet to enjoy time with you, she must always be in good health. Like
you, if the pets are feeling pain they are unable to feel the mood of having
fun!
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A
few fundamentals
Cats, now the most
popular pet in North America and Europe, were once described as
asocial animals, but this is no longer regarded as true. Although
very different from dogs, cats also need interaction and most
importantly, your loving attention! When you bring a new kitten
or cat into your home you’ll have to decide whether your pet will
live strictly indoors or will be allowed outside. There are advantages
and disadvantages in both cases. 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
and external parasites such as fleas, worms and ear mites. Conversely,
if your cat never ventures outside you must provide him or her
with physical and mental stimulation, including interaction with
you, exercise, scratching posts and a clean toilet area. Whatever
decision you make, following a few simple guidelines to direct
your cat’s behavior can ensure that harmony reigns in your cat-loving
household!
Make
sure you have a post that’s up to scratch
 Scratchingjust
comes naturally to cats. An instinctive activity that begins
when kittens are five weeks old, scratching allows cats
to leave chemical and visual signals that, among other functions,
serve as “messages” to other cats and animals. However,
what’s entirely normal for your cat can become a big problem
for you if he starts scratching your carpets and furniture.
If this happens, you can cover or remove the tempting object
or use plastic Nail Caps™ that are glued to the cat’s claws.
Unfortunately, these caps must be cut and replaced every
month and some cats do not tolerate them. Therefore, an
easier, more practical solution is to provide kitty with
a special scratching place, usually a post, of his own.
As befits the feline reputation, you may find that your
kitten or cat may be slightly picky about what kind of scratching
post he or she will agree to use.
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Not all commercially available scratching posts are equally
attractive to all cats.
Posts
that some cats might find acceptable have sisal, cardboard,
wood or wood composite surfaces.
Some
cat owners have found that making their own posts, whether
from soft logs, tree stumps or a piece of 2 x 4 wood covered
in sisal or another material with a longitudinal weave does
the trick.
The
most important characteristics of a post are that it be taller
than the cat when he stands on his hind legs, sturdy enough
not to tip over and located in a prominent, easily accessible
area.
A
board about 6-8 inches wide by 12-14 inches long attached
to a wall can also work well.
Whatever
its construction, the scratching post or board should not
be changed as long as your cat is still using it. The more
scratched and awful looking, the more your cat will love
and use it instead of your furniture! |
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Playtime
helps keep your cat healthy and happy
 Makesure
your kitten or cat has lots of opportunities for interesting,
challenging play that will satisfy his natural instincts and
provide him with much-needed activity. Find toys that bounce
or flutter—there are many available—that he can pretend to “chase,”
“hunt” and “capture.” Some cats love to chase moving spots of
light, whether they’re produced by mirrors or flashlights. You
can also attach a ball of aluminum foil to a long string and
tie it to your belt or waist. As you move about, your cat will
have a great time interacting with you while trying to “catch”
the ball. Just be sure to make the string long enough that kitty
doesn’t accidentally catch your leg! You should try to have at
least one daily, 15-minute interactive play session with your
cat, especially if he is often left alone. |
Cats appreciate
clean facilities, too!
 Catsare
fastidious creatures, so providing your pet with a clean, easily
accessible toilet area will help minimize any litter problems.
Cats generally prefer unscented, soft-textured fine litter. Some
cats like to urinate in one box and defecate in another so the
ideal number of litter boxes is one box per cat plus one. Therefore,
a two-cat household should have three litter boxes placed on
different floors or in different rooms. Don’t put litter boxes
next to noisy equipment such as furnaces or washing machines—cats
prefer quiet. Scoop out fecal matter (and urine if you use a
clumping litter) daily. Wash boxes with water and mild dish soap
once a week if you use non-clumping litter or once a month if
you use the clumping type. Do not use Lysol or Pinesol type products
to wash the litter box. Elimination outside the box can occur
for several different reasons, various medical conditions being
the most common. If you suspect your cat might have such a condition,
consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. |
Spraying
or urine marking
 Spraying,or
urine marking, is a normal behavior in cats with intact sexual
organs, and as well in neutered male or spayed female cats. In
fact, as many as 10% of castrated male and 5% of sterilized female
adult cats spray regularly. Spraying is often associated with
the presence of other cats (both inside and outside the home)
or other stresses, such as changes in the cat’s environment (a
new roommate, pet or baby, or perhaps a change in the amount
of time the cat is left alone), that can cause anxiety. Spraying
may be the way your cat communicates his anxiety. Treatment is
available—ask your veterinarian.
Diane Frank,
DVM
Diplomate ACVB |
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