How to Care for Cats

Encourage your cat to use the litter box. Due to the design of the litter, most cats naturally prefer it over other areas in the house. However, there are a few steps you need to take to make your cat enjoy using the litter box.

• Place the litter box in a quiet area where your cat won’t be disturbed by people, dogs, or loud noises.
• Keep the litter box clean by scooping out waste daily and washing the box weekly. You should also replace the litter at least once a week.
• If you have more than one cat, ensure you provide enough litter boxes. For instance, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes placed in different locations. The more dominant cat may prevent the other from using a particular box.

Ensure your cat feels comfortable with the litter box. Don’t scare or startle your cat while they’re using the litter box if you want to avoid them developing a dislike for it and avoiding it altogether. Opt for a larger litter box, even if it costs a bit more. Cats will feel more at ease in a larger box (measured by surface area, not depth).

• Avoid switching to a different type of litter suddenly, as cats don’t appreciate abrupt changes. Switching from clay litter to clumping litter, or vice versa, may irritate your cat and cause them to stop using the box.
• Also, avoid using overly scented litter, as strong smells can make cats wary and cause them to stay away.

Consider the needs of kittens and older cats. Keep in mind that kittens and older cats with joint issues or other health problems may struggle to enter and exit litter boxes with high sides. It’s best to choose a low-sided litter box and place it in an easily accessible spot for kittens and special-needs cats, or opt for an adjustable box.

Provide a scratching post for your cat. Scratching is a natural instinct for cats, and there’s no way to train them out of it. If your cat still has claws, it’s essential to provide one or two scratching posts so they don’t scratch up your furniture. With a scratching post, your cat will have the opportunity to engage in this healthy, natural behavior.

Don’t allow your cat to roam in restricted areas of the house. Cats are naturally curious, and your cat will likely jump onto tables, shelves, or other places you’d rather they avoid. A cat deterrent mat, a well-timed spray of water, or even a firm “no” can help correct this behavior. With patience and consistency, you can teach your cat to stay out of restricted areas.

• You can also use a shaken can (a soda can filled with a few pebbles and sealed tightly). Drop the can on the floor to startle the cat and get them to move away from the restricted area. DO NOT throw the can at your cat, as this could cause harm.

Consider using pheromone products for cats. These products, available in spray bottles or plug-in diffusers, release synthetic pheromones into the air to help calm your cat. They can be effective for addressing litter box issues or scratching behavior and have been shown to help soothe anxious or fearful cats.

Decide on the type of food for your cat. There are many options when it comes to cat food: dry food, wet food, and canned food are the most common. Dry food is easier to store, but cats really love the taste of wet and canned food. These types also help supplement their water intake. Ultimately, the choice of food is up to the owner's preference.

• Sometimes, cats may need one type of food over another depending on their health. It’s a good idea to consult your vet about this.

Choose a reputable brand when buying cat food. Like other animals, cats have specific nutritional needs. Cats are "obligate carnivores," meaning they require animal-based protein to avoid serious health issues. Ask your vet for recommendations on high-quality products. Cheaper brands may not provide the necessary nutrients for your cat’s health and happiness.

• Look for cat food that lists animal protein as the main ingredient, such as beef, chicken, turkey, or fish.
• Also, check for essential amino acids like taurine and arginine, and fatty acids like arachidonic and linoleic acid.
• Avoid feeding your cat human food unless you've discussed it with your vet. Some human foods can make cats very sick, even causing poisoning (such as chocolate).

Follow the feeding instructions on the food packaging. Generally, cats should be fed based on their age, weight, and activity level. They prefer to have several smaller meals throughout the day.

• If you're unsure about what or how much to feed your cat, consult with your vet.

Don’t overfeed your cat. It’s important to follow your vet's advice and ensure your cat gets enough exercise, as obesity is one of the biggest issues cats face today. Overweight cats are at a higher risk of developing diabetes in middle age. Being overweight can also lead to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and other health problems for your cat.

Brush your cat's fur based on their specific needs. You might think cats don't need grooming because they can clean themselves. However, in reality, you should brush short-haired cats weekly and long-haired cats several times a week. This will help minimize shedding around the house and prevent hairballs in their stomach.

• For cats that shed regularly (especially long-haired breeds), use a metal comb with small teeth to reach deep into the fur and remove loose hair.

Inspect your cat's skin while grooming. Look out for fleas, parasites, red spots, swelling, lumps, or other skin issues. If you notice anything suspicious, be sure to inform your vet and ask for advice on how to handle it.

Schedule an annual vet check-up for your cat. Like any family member, your cat needs regular health check-ups. Unlike children, cats can't tell us when they don't feel well. They rely on you to take them for routine visits. At least once a year, cats should visit the vet to check their teeth, ears, eyes, heart, receive vaccinations, and get flea/tick treatment. As a cat owner, you should consider vaccinating your cat for the following diseases: feline distemper, flu, and leukemia. All of these illnesses can be fatal if contracted, making it crucial to protect your furry friend. Many cat boarding facilities will not accept cats unless they have proof of vaccination. Your vet will recommend the appropriate vaccines based on your cat's needs. If you truly care about your cat's health and well-being, don't delay a vet visit.

• Senior cats should have check-ups twice a year for optimal health care.

Take your kitten to the vet more frequently. Just like human babies, kittens need more frequent visits to the vet than adult cats. Starting at around 8 weeks old, kittens should visit the clinic 2-3 times for vaccinations and deworming. At a minimum, kittens need rabies and feline distemper vaccinations. Your vet will also discuss the benefits of optional vaccines. Ask about risks like feline leukemia and decide which vaccines are appropriate for your kitten.

• The vet will also check for fleas and ear mites and treat them if necessary.
• Don't forget to deworm your kitten. Kittens with roundworms may be underdeveloped and can transmit the parasites to humans.

Spaying and Neutering Cats. Spaying female cats and neutering male cats offer numerous benefits. It helps curb troublesome behaviors like roaming and spraying urine. Health-wise, spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the risk of conditions such as uterine infections. Most importantly, this procedure helps decrease the number of unwanted cats on earth!

• Consult a veterinarian about the ideal time for spaying or neutering your cat. Veterinarians typically recommend doing it when the kitten is between 2-6 months old.

Introducing Cats to Tooth Brushing. Cats are prone to dental issues. To brush your cat's teeth, you need a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for cats or dogs. Never use human toothpaste, as the high fluoride content can upset your cat’s stomach, and fluoride levels in human toothpaste can be toxic. Start by letting your cat taste the toothpaste, then use your finger to gently rub it along the gum line of the upper teeth. Afterward, use a toothbrush to brush along the gum line of the upper teeth, angling it slightly upward to ensure the bristles reach beneath the gum line. Use a circular motion to brush from the back to the front. Brushing your cat’s teeth takes less than 30 seconds.

• Initially, don't force yourself to brush the entire set of teeth. If your cat only allows you to brush the outside of the upper teeth, that’s still better than not brushing at all. You’ll still address the most critical part of preventing dental disease in cats.

Schedule Professional Dental Cleanings for Your Cat if Necessary. Even with regular tooth brushing, some cats may still require professional dental cleanings from time to time. Brushing helps reduce plaque and buildup on the teeth, but it can't remove plaque below the gumline. When a vet cleans your cat’s teeth, they also perform a comprehensive oral check-up while your cat is under anesthesia. Some common signs of dental disease include:

• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Discoloration of teeth or tartar buildup
• Pain or sensitivity in the mouth
• Bleeding
• Excessive drooling and dropping food while eating
• Loss of appetite or weight

Spend Quality Time Playing with Your Cat. Your cat needs daily interaction with you to stay happy and healthy. Set aside time each day to play with toys, chat with, and groom your cat to bond with them. Laser pointers, balls, toy mice, and feathers are great fun for your cat.

• One fun game to play with your cat: Hide their favorite treat somewhere in the house and use a laser pointer to guide them to it. Move the pointer in a way that mimics a real mouse, pointing it to narrow places or under hiding spots. Finally, guide the pointer to the exact location of the treat. Your cat will be thrilled, feeling like they’ve just caught prey!

Deciding Whether to Adopt a Kitten or an Adult Cat. Kittens are undeniably adorable and full of energy, but you must honestly ask yourself if you can meet their high energy levels and take on the responsibility they require. Animal shelters often have many friendly adult cats in need of a home. An adult cat tends to be calmer and more laid-back compared to a kitten, but they may have behavior issues from their early years. Additionally, adult cats can have health problems that might require early treatment, while kittens often have the tendency to scratch painfully. Consider if you're willing to tolerate that.

Consider the Health Issues of Cats. If you’re interested in a cat, inquire about its medical history to see if it may require long-term care. Can you meet the medical needs of the cat?

• Even if the cat you like seems perfectly healthy, it’s important to consider the breed. Purebred cats can have genetic health issues that may need attention. For example, breeds like the Manx and Scottish Fold, known for their flat faces, often face respiratory problems.
• Purebred cats are generally at higher risk for genetic diseases compared to mixed-breed cats.

Assess the Time You Can Dedicate to Your Cat. While cats don't need daily walks like dogs, don’t assume they don’t require your time and attention. Cats are active pets that need to play and enjoy your companionship. You’ll also need to spend time cleaning their litter box and ensuring they’re properly fed.

• The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 13-17 years, so keep in mind that you’re committing to a long-term family member.

Consider Your Financial Ability to Care for a Cat. The cost of adopting a cat can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a purebred. Additionally, you’ll need to purchase food, litter, toys, and cover medical expenses. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the estimated cost to care for a cat during its first year is $1,035 USD (over 20 million VND). (This cost will decrease once you've purchased initial supplies and covered the initial medical expenses.)

Consider Adopting a Cat from an Animal Shelter. The cost you pay for adoption is far less than the value you’ll receive: a cat that’s fully vaccinated, checked for health issues, and spayed or neutered. If you decide to take in a ‘free’ cat, you’ll ultimately incur these costs yourself if you’re a responsible pet owner.