Five Tips For Cat Care

Cats are very cuddly and playful animals. They love attention from their owners such as petting and playing with toys. While a cat is a fun pet to have, they need to be cared for everyday, just like people do. These five tips will help a child to be the best cat owner he can be.
Feeding

Cats eat three times a day as kittens and once or twice a day as adults. It is important not to overfeed or underfeed cats. Overfeeding can lead to health problems like diabetes, and underfeeding can cause the cat to be weak and have very little energy. A child can leave a bowl of dry food out for the cat to eat whenever she wants, as long as she is not overeating. If the child chooses to feed his cat canned food, he should give it one can a day split in half, one portion for breakfast and one for dinner.
Water

It is important that cats have access to clean water at all times. Children can rinse and refill their cat's water bowl with clean, cool water. This should be done everyday.
Litter

Cats use litter boxes the same way people use a toilet, and it is important that their "toilet" be kept clean. An adult should use a litter scoop to remove clumps everyday and completely change the litter out once a month. A small child should not do this, as there are certain types of germs in cat excrement that can make smaller kids very sick. If the cat's litter is not kept clean, they can possibly use other areas of the house as a toilet or refuse to go altogether, which can make them very sick.
Grooming

Cats require very little help with keeping themselves clean. A cat will give himself a "bath" often by cleaning his fur with his tongue. While this keeps the cat basically clean, he will sometimes need a bath or to be brushed. If a child wants to bathe his cat, he should use a cat-friendly, non-toxic shampoo. An adult should always help when a child bathes a cat because cats do not like being in water and might scratch the child when trying to get out of it. Cats like brushing much more than baths, so children can brush the cat whenever he looks like he needs it. Using a de-shedder brush can help clean out extra hair the cat is trying to shed.
Petting and Playtime

Everyone likes to play with and get affection from people they care about, and cats are the same. Cats will enjoy being petted, rubbed and scratched regularly. The child's cat will help him to know what kind of affection she likes by purring. Cats are also playful, especially when they are kittens. They like to chase and pounce on toys. Playtime is good for a cat because it helps her get exercise and helps her bond with her owner.
Read on

* Perfect Pets for Children
* Brushing a Cat's Teeth
* Children and Cats

Cats are very happy if they receive the proper care. Following these tips can help children take great care of a cat and create a lasting bond with their pet. An adult should always help and supervise when a child is caring for a cat.


Read more at Suite101: Kids Caring for Pets: Five Tips for Cat Care http://www.suite101.com/content/kids-caring-for-pets-five-tips-for-cat-care-a251068#ixzz13bsL6xeL