Be A Responsible Cat Owner

You’re probably thinking, “How hard can it be? Cats can take care of themselves.” But think again. Living with a cat may not involve much work, but it doesn’t mean a total hands-off policy either.

KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS

When most people hear the words “animal nuisance,” they tend to think of dogs. But cats are often just as bad. When allowed to roam, they can get into garbage cans, defecate in flowerbeds and sandboxes, cause traffic accidents, and contribute to pet overpopulation. In addition, they can have a devastating effect on local wildlife, killing dozens, even hundreds of songbirds and small mammals every year.

Of course, the most important reason to keep your cat inside is for his/her own safety. Unlike dogs, cats don’t need much space to exercise and a litter box will meet those “other” needs just fine. In other words, cats don’t need to go out and face disease, catfights, dogfights, poisons, parasites, cruel people and the biggest cat killer of all, traffic.

Cats who live indoors from the start will never have the urge to roam around outside. Even cats that’ve previously been indoor/outdoor pets can be trained to accept being inside all the time.

Keeping cats happy inside is simply a matter of creating a healthy and stimulating indoor environment. Some good ideas are: giving your cat toys that feel furry and feathery or have catnip inside, providing him with a scratching post at least two feet high, planting pots of indoor greens for him to chew on, adopting another animal to keep him company, and most importantly, playing games and spending time with your companion.

ONE-TIME SURGERY, A LIFETIME BENEFIT

Spaying and neutering are words you’re probably familiar with. What you may not know is that these procedures are the most essential part of being a responsible pet owner.

To spay your female cat is to have her ovaries and uterus surgically removed. To neuter your male cat is to have his testicles removed. The result of both operations is that your pet will no longer be able to bring more homeless animals into the world. That is significant indeed when you consider the fact that nearly eight million dogs and cats have to be humanely destroyed each year for lack of good homes.

Spaying and neutering are also better for the health of your pet. Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your cat is spayed before her first estrous cycle. Neutering reduces the incidence of prostate cancer and prostate disorders. Neutered cats are also less likely to spray and mark territory. Spayed cats will no longer go through the annoying heat cycles. To top it all off, in addition to living longer and healthier lives, cats that are spayed or neutered make better and more affectionate companions.

Spaying or neutering is a one-time surgery with a one-time cost. However, both procedures offer a lifetime of benefits. When it comes right down to it, if you can’t afford to have your cat spayed or neutered, then you can’t afford to have a cat.

COLLAR AND TAG YOUR CAT

No matter how careful cat owners are, there’s always the chance their companion may slip out of the door and become lost. If that happened to your cat, would he/she be protected by a collar and identification tag?

An ID tag is a lost cat’s ticket home. The tag should include your address as well as daytime and evening telephone numbers. It should be attached to a collar of the breakaway variety so that the cat can escape if the collar becomes snagged. The shelter should have more information about where you can obtain a cat collar and a tag.

KEEP YOUR CAT HEALTHY

Cats, like their canine counterparts, require basic care to stay healthy and happy. A regular nutritionally balanced diet is as important for your cat as it is for you. Shelter personnel or your own veterinarian can guide you in choosing an adequate feeding program for your cat.

If you don’t have a veterinarian, it is a good idea to establish a rapport with one soon after you adopt a cat. The shelter may provide a list of local vets, or you can ask a pet owner friend for a referral. Keep your feline companion up-to-date on his/her shots, and maintain a regular examination schedule.

A LIFETIME COMMITMENT

Beyond those essentials, the rest should come naturally. You can look forward to many years of companionship with your four-footed friend. Remember that a pet is your responsibility to love and care for from the day he/she arrives until the day he/she dies. It’s up to you to provide him/her with a lifetime guarantee.