Cat Owners Manual

Cats can be wonderful animals to observe, and what better place to observe their playful leaps and chases than in the comfort of home? Also, because they do not have the distraction of wanting to go out all the time, indoor cats turn their attention to loving their owners instead of the neighborhood. A domestic cat is a companion animal, and she should be allowed to be just that—a companion. Experience is important and a cat owners manual can help you understand your cat.

There are still preparations to be made, and the following should always be ready for your new pet:

• Litter box and litter
• Food and water dishes
• Scratching post or tree
• Cat carrier, for safe trips to the vet or groomer; the carrier you choose should be of sturdy plastic, rather than the cardboard type, as some cats hate the confinement of a carrier so much they will actually try their hardest to break out of it
• Grooming tools
• Toys

Keep your kitty happy:

• Give her a place to use her claws, stretch, and climb.
• Lots of attention, petting, and TLC goes a long way.
• Toys, toys, toys.
• A nice, sunshiny window to sleep in.
• Cat greens to munch on are always fun.
• Cleanliness rules where cats are concerned. Keep that litter box clean!
• Keep food and water away from litter. Do you eat dinner in the bathroom?
• Always provide fresh, clean water!
• Each cat should have their own spaces to relax away from anyone else if they choose.
• Can your kitty see what’s going on outside? Cats love to watch the neighborhood happenings.