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by: KurtSchmitt
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Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 Time: 6:27 PM
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Given the differences between humans and felines, it's amazing that we get along the way we do. These cat care tips deal with subjects such as preventing litter box problems and letting your cat act on her instincts. Following these tips will help you and your kitty to better bond and enjoy your lives together.

1. Handle your cat as much as possible - if you do this, she'll do better when it comes time to get checked by the vet or have her claws trimmed. Some cats just don't like to be picked up no matter what. But, if you can start handling your cat often when she's a kitten, chances are good she'll better accept it later in life.

2. Give your cat a quickie physical - grooming sessions are a good time to examine your cat for common health problems. Check for fleas, ear mites, and signs of pain, swelling, or injury. Check your cat's eyes, teeth, gums, ears, skin, and limbs for problems.

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. Your cat wants to hunt, so let her - no, I'm not saying to let your cat hunt rats. Instead, bring out the hunting instincts in your cat by spreading some treats around the house. This will make feeding time a bit more fun. One of my cats likes it when you toss dry food bits and let her chase them down. Try it.

6. More litter boxes - the one plus one rule says there should be one box for each cat in the house plus one more. That way, there's always a fresh, available box to use when she needs it. Some cats simply 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. Play with your cat often - dangle toys for your cat to play with, or have your cat teach you to play fetch. Chase your cat around the house whenever you can. Get your cat exercising every day and you'll help lower risks of diabetes and other diseases.

9. Provide interesting cat toys - rotate the cat toys so that you keep it interesting, but always leave your cat's favorites accessible. With most cat toys, however, you should 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, and fun for both of you.

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.

Giving in to your cat's instincts will make your kitty a better adjusted family member. More touching will bring you closer and make your cat more social, and keeping your cat indoors will keep her safe. The cat care tips concerning the litter box will save you some headache, and keeping your cat in good shape and never bored will keep her happy, and both of you out of trouble.

For at least 15 more cat care tips see Kurt Schmitt's site for cat lovers. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.