Best Ways to Care for Your Pet Cat

Sharing your life with a cat can be rewarding and fun, and caring for your cat can bring you years of joy. While cats are mainly self-sufficient, they do need a certain amount of care to remain happy and healthy. When caring for your pet cat, there are a few tips to remember.

Grooming
Cats need to be groomed regularly in order to avoid getting hairballs. Loose hairs can get caught in their throat, causing them a great deal of discomfort. Comb your cat's hair daily to remove any hairs, taking care not to comb against the hair follicle. Comb down from the head to the tail, not the other way around.

Proper grooming is important in maintaining your cat's health. There is no need to send your cat to the salon or spa, simply make sure his fur is clean and brush it daily.

Feeding
It is important to feed your cat a balanced diet of meats, grains and vegetables in order to keep him healthy. Cats are natural hunters and will eat whatever food they can find around the house, so it is important to keep harmful foods out of their reach.

Keep garbage can lids tightly fastened and keep poisonous plants in locked rooms. Give your cat adequate water to keep him hydrated throughout the day. You don't have to take your cat to five star restaurants, just make sure he has healthy pet foods that will give him energy.

Exercise
Speaking of energy, it is important to give your cat outlets to exercise. While it may seem like a good idea to sign him up for a gym membership, you don't have to go to great lengths to provide him with exercise outlets. Climbing posts, toys and perches give him adequate opportunities to climb and jump.

If you have open space in your home, allow him to run freely, making sure there are no obstructions blocking his way. Some cat owners get annoyed when they see their cats tearing though their home at break neck speed. This is simply your cat's way of getting the exercise he needs to stay healthy. Encourage, don't punish this behavior.

Medical Care 
It is important that your cat get adequate medical care. Find a veterinarian in your area that will adequately care for your cat. Keep him up to date on his shots, especially if he is around other cats or plays outside. Your vet will also make sure your cat's teeth are healthy, so it is important to keep all appointments. By getting adequate care for your cat, you will ensure that he will have a healthy life.

Caring for your cat is a labor of love. Your pet cat is a member of the family, so give him the same care as your other family members. Make sure he has adequate food, water, exercise and medical care. When caring for your pet cat, give him the best care so that he can live a rich and full life.