CAT CARE

FEEDING

Cats have specific nutritive requirements. For a balanced diet they need water, proteins, fatty acids and vitamins. Dried food helps keep the teeth and gums healthy. Wetting the food may cause wastage and spoilage. The spoiled food may make the cat sick. Never feed your pet cooked chicken or turkey bones. They easily splinter and may become lodged in his throat or intestines. Never serve food straight from the refrigerator. Cold foods may cause vomiting. A cat gets tired of monotony so be sure to feed him a varied diet. AND REMEMBER : Always keep fresh, cool drinking water available.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

A cat should be kept in a clean and safe area. A cat restricted to the house has the safest place in which to live. The cat put out to roam at night can be a nuisance to neighbors, a menace to sleeping birds, and a less satisfying friend and companion. The night prowler is also more exposed to injury and infectious disease. The litter box should be kept clean, removing feces daily in plastic bags. Studies have shown, cats kept indoors live substantially longer, healthier lives.

GOOD HEALTH CARE

Rule one in caring for your pet’s health is choosing a veterinarian. Don’t wait until your pet is critically ill before you seek the assistance of a veterinarian. If your pet shows symptoms of illness, get him to the veterinarian quickly. Cats should have annual veterinary physical check-ups. Spayed females are normally healthier, live longer, and do not have breeding problems. Neutered male cats do not have the tendencies to roam, spray their urine, or pick fights with other cats. Never give your cat aspirin.

REMEMBER

Check with your veterinarian regarding vaccinations necessary to keep your pet healthy