How to Care for a New Cat

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Some people adopt cats but don't know how to take care of them. Cats are more independent than many other animals, so they are fairly easy to take care of. Follow these steps to learn how to keep your new cat healthy and happy.

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EditSteps

1
Feed your cat a balanced diet that will keep its coat healthy and shiny.

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2
Always be sure your cat has fresh water. Your cat could become very sick if you do not clean its water several times a day. You can also buy one of those water fountains for pets that continually cleans the water.
3
Take your cat to the vet regularly to get a check up and its vaccines. You may also want to consider getting your cat spayed or neutered to minimize spraying and midnight howling, which are behaviors which cats in heat display. Fixing your cat will also prevent any unwanted births.
4
Cats can clean themselves, however, they need a little extra help with maintaining a healthy, mat-free coat. Buy a brush/comb that will suit your cat's hair length. Groom your cat as often as you need to. Cats with long hair, such as Persians, need to be brushed daily, while cats with short or medium fur only need to be brushed 2-3 times a week. Keep in mind that cats, like humans, need oral hygiene as well. You can get toothbrushes made especially for cats at your local pet store. Tooth paste is available as well although it is not necessary. Your cat may also spit up hair balls. Hair balls are clumps of fur that get lodged in a cat's throat when they lick themselves, so don't worry if your cat vomits every once in a while, only if they appear to be sick. It is a good idea to put cat grass in pot around the house because grass helps reduce the build-up in the throat.
5
Scoop the litter twice daily to keep it clean. Change the cat's litter about every week or so, and scrub the container with dish soap and a hose. This will help to make the cat's area smell a bit more pleasant, and make the tray more appealing to use rather than your carpet.
6
Play with your cat for at least half an hour every day with a safe cat toy. You can also buy some cat trees and a scratching post. A cat tree will provide some place to relax and hide, while a scratching post give your cat something to scratch on other then your couch, or you! Trees tend to be quite expensive, so you can make one as an alternative.

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EditTips

It's not wise to welcome a cat into your house until it has been checked for parasites and diseases and has all of its required vaccinations.
If scratching becomes a problem, trim your cat's nails or buy caps to put over them.
If you really want to get a cat, do not buy from breeders. Look at your local animal shelter or in newspaper ads. This way, you will be saving a life.
Always get a pet cat spayed or neutered to prevent habits that bother you.

EditWarnings

Never leave a cat at home while you are on vacation. Try to find a family member or a close friend that can take care of your cat. Make sure you trust them though.
If you do not properly take care of your cat, it might become sick or unfriendly. Some signs of unfriendliness in cats include: Biting and scratching people, hissing, spitting, flattened ears, growling, dilated pupils, and screeching.
Cats can be costly and you are most likely going to spend more than you planned, so be prepared for any medical emergencies, special needs, etc.
Before getting a cat, do research on the breed you think is right for you and your family. Example: If you don't leave home a lot and want a cat that will snuggle up next to you, get a Siamese. If you want a more mellow cat and you do not have loud children, look into getting a Persian.
Understand that cats are territorial and will not appreciate everyone they happen to meet, so if your cat shows signs of unfriendliness towards a certain person, you may want to consider blocking them off from that person until they leave your home.
If you know someone that has mild cat allergies, do not get a cat that sheds often or one that has long hair. If you babysit that person, make sure you block the cat away from that person and vacuum your home to get rid of cat hair. you may also want to shower to remove the cat hair on your body that may trigger an allergic reaction.