| Cats make wonderful companions, however they can | | | | cats will drink around 85ml of water daily. |
| be somewhat of a mystery. Knowing and | | | | To make sure your cat stays in good health you |
| understanding your feline companions is the way to | | | | need to pay attention to them and notice any |
| keep them happy. Even though cats have the | | | | changes in their behaviour. At least once a week you |
| reputation for being independent and aloof, they | | | | should do a “check-up” on your cat. This can |
| actually thrive on affection. | | | | be done just by holding and petting your cat while |
| If you are getting a cat or kitten for the first time | | | | you look for signs of fleas, skin problems, ear mites |
| you might want to make sure that no one in your | | | | or for overly long claws. Some signs to watch for |
| family is allergic to cats. You should take your family | | | | are; if their coats start looking rough instead of sleek |
| to a rescue centre or have them play with a | | | | and shiny and they stop grooming themselves |
| friend’s cat to see if they show any signs of an | | | | properly. If you notice any of these signs you should |
| allergic reaction. Some symptoms to look for are; eye | | | | take your pet into the vet for a check-up. |
| irritations, sneezing, and watery eyes. This way you | | | | Depending on the breed of cat you have will |
| will know beforehand instead of after you bring | | | | determine how much grooming you will have to do. If |
| home the new cat or kitten and have become | | | | you have a long-haired cat, such a Persian they need |
| attached to them. | | | | daily brushing and combing. If you have a short hair |
| When it comes to the nutritional requirements of | | | | they can be groomed occasionally. Most cats will try |
| cats they are clearly different from dogs. Cats are | | | | to keep themselves groomed. |
| strict carnivores and have to eat meat to remain | | | | Another thing to remember is to have an out of |
| healthy. Cats need protein in their daily diet to | | | | the way place for their litter box. It is important to |
| provide amino acids which turn into protein. Proteins | | | | make sure you clean it often, especially if you have a |
| are required for tissue growth and repair and to help | | | | multi-cat home. Cats are easy animals to care for. |
| with metabolism. | | | | They like to play so make sure you have plenty of |
| Fat and oils contain fatty acids which perform several | | | | things for them to chase and bat around. If you have |
| functions and are a form of energy. If your cat’s | | | | an inside cat make sure you also provide them with a |
| diet is lacking fatty acids it could result in a dry coat | | | | scratching post of some sort. This way they |
| and dandruff. | | | | won’t be using the furniture for that purpose. |
| Vitamins and minerals are also important to a | | | | Cats make great companions and if kept healthy and |
| cat’s diet. There are 4 vitamins and 2 minerals | | | | happy they will give you enjoyment and comfort for |
| that your cat needs to live a long healthy life. Vitamin | | | | a long time. |
| A helps stimulate growth in kittens and renewal in | | | | To protect your feline companions you might want |
| adult cats, Vitamin B is important for growth, the | | | | to consider buying pet insurance for your cats. Not |
| nervous system and for the heart. Vitamin D helps in | | | | only will this give you peace of mind; it will help you |
| bone development and Vitamin E is for shiny coats. | | | | to afford expensive medical costs if your pet |
| Water is the most important element in a cat’s | | | | becomes ill or has an accident. Cat insurance can help |
| diet. It transports nutrients, vital to temperature | | | | ease the strain on your budget if you were faced |
| regulation, and essential for digestion. Most active | | | | with high veterinary bills. |