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Cats are among the most popular pet you can own. There are several breeds available, with the most popular being
Persian and Siamese.
Cats are a domesticated animal, with
origins dating back over 8,000 years. Like any other
pet that you may own, there are costs associated with owning a cat.
Your cat will need a litter box, food dish, and water dish.
You should also invest in a pet carrier and a scratching post -
the latter being much cheaper than your couch and draperies.
You might also want to get some cat toys and a bed.
Ongoing expenses include food, cat litter,
and veterinarian visits. You should also look into getting a
microchip for your cat as well,
just in case he ever gets lost.
How much and how often you should feed your pet depends on his age. Older cats
generally need two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens
on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get
around the age of 12 weeks. Cats between three and six
months of age should be fed three times a day.
Canned food can
be fed to cats. Feed small amounts and refrigerate any
food left in the can. Canned food is best used as a
supplement or "treat" in addition to dry cat food.
Alternatively, you can leave a supply of dry
food out for your cat. Make sure you also leave him a
plentiful water supply. Dry food is just as nutritious as
canned food. When you buy dry food,
look for high quality food or ask your vet to recommend a brand.
Kittens should only be given food
designed for kittens. You may also use kitten food if you
are caring for an undernourished cat. It has extra
nutrients designed for growing kitty bodies.
Clean and refill water
dishes every day, or more often if needed. Make sure your cat
always has clean drinking water!
Kittens and adult cats usually like cow’s
milk. Avoid giving it to them - or give them only small
amounts - as it can cause
diarrhea.
Treats are generally fine on occasion, and
some treats are now designed to help remove tartar from your
cat's teeth. Feeding your cat human food is
usually okay, although you should not do this if your cat has
FUS (feline urinary syndrome).
Cats like being clean and will keep themselves that way for the
most part. Although you don’t usually need to bathe them,
it is good to brush them. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and
keep dander from building up in your cat's coat.
If you are keeping your cat
indoors, you need to have a litter box in an area that is
accessible for your cat. You should scoop it on a
daily basis, and clean it out completely weekly. Cats don’t like to
use dirty litter boxes, and you may find they will use an
alternative location if theirs is too dirty!
Cats require only a small amount of work and in return are great pets that
provide years of companionship. As long
as you take care of your cat and take him to the vet for his
checkups, you should have a long-term friend.
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