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1. Handling your cat – start handling your cat often when she’s a kitten, and chances are good she’ll better accept it when a stranger has to do so (like the vet). It will make it easier later in life when she needs her claws trimmed, or has to be examined. Of course, some cats just don’t like to be picked up no matter what, but this can help.
2. Check your cat for health problems – use weekly (or more often) grooming sessions to examine your cat for common health problems. Check your cat’s teeth, gums, eyes, ears, skin, and limbs for obvious problems. Check for fleas, ear mites, and signs of pain, swelling, or injury.
3. Provide a bed by a window – house cats love warmth, so much so that they’ve been known to singe their tail hair on hot stoves. So set up a nice comfortable bed for your cat by a window so she can sunbathe.
4. Keep your cat indoors – every major cat care organization recommends keeping your cat indoors for safety, better health, and a longer life. Cats can live out a healthy life indoors, get the exercise they need, and survey their territory from a nice spot in front of the window.
5. Let your cat hunt – no, don’t let your cat hunt mice outdoors. Instead, spread some treats around the house and bring out the hunting instincts in your cat. This will make feeding time a bit more fun. Also, your cat will probably enjoy it if you toss dry food bits and let her chase them down.
6. Provide enough litter boxes – follow the one plus one rule – one box for each cat in the house plus one more. This ensures that there’s a fresh, available box to use at any given time. Some cats don’t like using a box that was recently used, even if they were the one to use it.
7. Clean the cat litter box twice a day – clean the box twice a day and change the litter every few weeks, thoroughly scrubbing the box and disinfecting with bleach when you do. Keeping the box spotless will help prevent any possible cat litter box problems that might arise.
8. Set aside playtime for you and your cat – play fetch with your cat, or dangle toys on a string for her. Play a game of tag and take turns chasing each other around the house whenever you can. Increase your cat’s exercise level daily and you’ll help lower risks of heart disease, diabetes and other diseases.
9. Must have cat toys – cat toys can be fun for both of you. Rotate your cat’s toys in and out of circulation so that you keep it interesting. Always, however, leave your cat’s favorites accessible. Heed warning labels, though, and do not leave your cat unsupervised as injury can occur. Also, a belt or a shoe lace, if used safely, can make a great interactive toy and provide exercise for your cat.
10. Get your cat a feline friend – every cat lover knows that two cats are better than one. When you can’t pay attention to your cat, a playmate in the house will. A second cat around the house will help to stave off boredom, encourage exercise, and offer comfort. Bored kitties are prime candidates for behavior problems, and are more likely to cause mischief.
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