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Preparing
for Your New Cat's Arrival..........
You will need to purchase several items
before you bring your new
kitten home. He should have his own bowls for food and water. These
must be shallow enough to allow him to eat without difficulty. Have
a supply of food ready for his arrival.
Although cats tend to sleep where they please, you can still provide
him with a bed, placing it in a draft-free and private location. Many
cats prefer a resting place that has high sides or is enclosed, but
make sure that it is easily accessible. A cardboard box with an
entrance cut into the side and lined with a blanket will serve nicely
and may be discarded when dirty.
A cat carrier is an essential item when you need to take your cat
with you or take him to your veterinarian. A cardboard carrier may
be suitable for short trips, but it is not very durable.
You will need a litter tray, tray liners, a scoop and a supply of cat
litter. These are all available wherever pet supplies are sold.
Cats will play with most anything, although you may want to
provide an assortment of non-toxic, non-digestible toys. Play is an
important part of your cat's behavioral development.
All cats need to be groomed regularly. Start at an early age using a
brush and comb. It is a good idea to give your cat some form of
scratching post in order to discourage him from using your furniture
or curtains for this purpose.
Make your home a safe place for him before he arrives. Remove all
hazardous items, including poisonous plants and cleaning agents.
Remember that he will find his way into open cupboards and washing
machines, so always check inside before closing any doors.
Feeding..............
Just like their owners, cats need a well
balanced diet to ensure that
they stay in peak condition. For a balanced diet, the food a cat needs
to eat must contain a full complement of protein, fat, vitamins and
minerals in the right proportions. In the wild, cats would naturally
consume the whole body of their prey - not just the muscle flesh. The
bones, internal organs, intestinal contents, skin and hair are a source
of vital vitamins, minerals and roughage which would be missing from
a purely muscle meat diet. Feeding a diet in which there is a
nutritional imbalance (there may be an excess or a deficiency of a
particular nutrient) can lead to the development of disease.
As with other animals, cats eat to satisfy their requirement for
energy. A diet which contains the right amount of energy for an
individual animal must, therefore, provide all the other essential
nutrients in the correct amount and in the correct balance. In general,
cats will adjust their own daily food intake in order to meet their
energy requirement and unless they are fed an exceptionally
palatable diet, or are particularly inactive, they seldom overeat.
Although carbohydrate and fat are the most common and useful
sources of energy, cats can also obtain energy from the protein in
their diet. Indeed, carbohydrate is not an essential part of the cat's
diet. On the other hand, cats need a relatively high level of protein in
their diet and they are unable to adapt to a diet which is extremely
low in protein. Indeed, most cats would not eat such a diet since they
would find it singularly unappetizing. Their preference for good
quality, high protein food is not simply a behavioral fad.
Animal fats in the diet are essential for cats - not just for the energy
they provide, but also because they are a source of vitamin A and the
fatty acid, arachidonic acid. They also make the food more palatable
to cats.
Although your cat may appear fully independent, it will
always need your care and attention to keep it in the best of health.
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