| Cats have been domesticated for a long time. | | | | is less expensive and helps prevent tartar build up |
| Domesticated cats originated in Africa and the | | | | on your cat's teeth and help promote healthy |
| Middle East between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago. | | | | gums. Avoid buying generic cat food. They may |
| There are many different breeds of cats but | | | | not have the same guidelines as the brand-name |
| most popular cats are the non-pedigree or "mutt" | | | | food for your cat's health. If your cat is a kitten, |
| cats. You should always investigate the cost | | | | make sure you give them food specified for a |
| before getting any kind of pet. There is an | | | | kitten. You will need to wash and refill their water |
| average of $150 dollars of veterinary care. The | | | | dish daily. Do not give your cat cows' milk. They |
| cost of food is about $170 dollars a year. The | | | | may seem to enjoy it but it can cause diarrhoea. |
| litter can be expensive as well, running about $175 | | | | An occasional cat treat for your cat is fine, but |
| dollars a year. Don't forget the initial cost of | | | | do not give them too much because they are |
| getting your cat. The best place to get a cat is at | | | | fattening. If you find your kitten refusing food, try |
| your local shelter. Some of the costs of adopting | | | | soaking it in warm water first. Kittens can be fed |
| a pet at a shelter cover your cat's shots, | | | | human baby food for a short time. Buy baby |
| worming and "sterilization". You will still need to get | | | | food that is designed for older babies and get |
| a litter box and other supplies before you bring a | | | | chicken or beef. Then you will have to start |
| cat home, such as cat food, food and water dish. | | | | gradually mixing it into their cat food.Cats will stay |
| You will also need a brush, toys, safety collar with | | | | pretty clean so they rarely need a bath. You |
| ID tag, scratching post or pad, cat carrier and a | | | | should brush you cat daily though. It helps keep |
| cat bed. Again some shelters offer some of | | | | their coat clean and reduces hairballs and there is |
| these items with your cat. It is best to call ahead | | | | less hair for shedding.Indoor cats will need a litter |
| of time and see what is included in your adoption | | | | box. It should be kept in the same place all the |
| cost.Feeding your new cat depends on the age. If | | | | time, like your bathroom. You will need to scoop |
| you have an older cat feed them one large meal | | | | out your litter box on a daily basis and dump and |
| a day or two smaller ones. Kittens need to be fed | | | | clean it every week. Cats will not use a dirty box. |
| several times a day until they are about 12 | | | | Try to avoid using deodorant and scents, |
| weeks old. If your cat is three to six months old | | | | especially lemon, when cleaning the litter box.You |
| then they need to be feed three times a day. | | | | will need to provide a scratching post and or pad. |
| You can give your cat canned food, but be sure | | | | Cats love to scratch and they need to. Cutting |
| to throw away any leftover food after 30 | | | | your cat's claws every few weeks will allow them |
| minutes. Keep in mind that canned cat food can | | | | to be blunt enough so they will not do serious |
| be expensive and you may have to throw away | | | | damage to your furniture. The post will need to |
| some. It does not do anything for your cat's | | | | be sturdy and at least three feet tall so your cat |
| dental health like dry food can.The other | | | | can stretch when she scratches. It should be |
| alternative is to keep a supply of dry food out | | | | made of tree bark, burlap or sisal. You can also |
| constantly. You must make sure your cat has | | | | get a scratching pad. Sprinkle it with cat nip every |
| plenty of water when offering dry food. Dry food | | | | couple of weeks to keep her interested. |