This is my first blog post, I literally just made this account with word press, under suggestion of a friend of mine. To share my knowledge of animals (I’m no know-it-all), But I do my research and take my time to learn a thing or two, and I’m hoping it can help you all out! I decided to make this post for cats specifically, however there are many more topics concerning cats – litter box issues/breeds/etc. That I can address if you would like, just comment. I also know a fair bit about dogs, and dog nutrition/behavior so feel free to ask me anything pet related! If I don’t know- I will do my damnedest to find out!

If you are a first time cat owner, you may not even know where to begin when you think of adopting your first feline companion. Here are a list of starter items I’ve been able to think of that may help you (and your furry new friend) out! The litter box rule may even be a new subject to those of us who’ve owned cats for many years!

Items needed for a cat

  1. pet carrier

  2. litter boxes (1 more box than per cat in the house, so 2 for 1 cat, 3 for 2, etc)

  3. litter

  4. food

  5. toys ( starting out with a couple is just fine to keep expenses down)

  6. something for them to scratch (Ideally a scratch post/cat tree, but a scratch mat (cheaper) is fine))

  7. pet bed

  8. food bowls (separate set for every cat you have)

  9. litter scooper

  10. brush(es)

  11. nail trimmers

  12. and a whole lotta lovin’!

  13. ID tag/harness for them to wear with leash if you plan to take outside

 

Cat play time!

Play time is VERY important for kitties! No matter what age 🙂

They are natural predators, so the ideal time to play with them is before meals (one in the morning once at night) so they feel that they’ve hunted, caught, and ate their prey. It’s a basic technique but highly effective.

Also having a nighttime play session (especially for younger cats) before bed time can really help tire them out so they’ll let you sleep and not make a lot of noise at night rummaging around.

Lastly, play time not only helps your cat get out a ton of predatory/prey energy and exercise, but it helps you bond with your kitty. 🙂

Grooming Tips for Cats

Cats by nature are pretty good at grooming themselves. However, whether you’ve got a long haired cat or a short haired one, they do shed. It is inevitable. But there are ways in which you can reduce this!

  1. Brush your kitty every day! I mean it, every day! No exceptions! With a soft, preferably rubber like brush! (Zoom Groom brush by KONG is an affordable, very good brush)

  2. Brush your kitty with a more fine toothed brush (Furminator brush being the best – but you can find like ones in pet stores for cheaper as well ) ONCE A WEEK along with your normal brush, to get all of that undercoat out.

  3. Trim your cats nails ! (Every 1-2 weeks) I’m serious! They will do less damage to any furniture that is their choice of scratching or -in worst case- you! They may not like it, but it’s a process they can get used to if you do it right ! Use lots of positive reinforcement like treats, play, and talking!

  4. Unless you have an outdoor/very prone to messy cat, you won’t need to bath him/her very regularly. However that being said, a bath every 2-3 months can help get extra fur and dirt out that he/she may not get out themselves. But remember to use cat shampoo/conditioner! Cat’s skin has a different PH level than ours, so human shampoo can be harmful and cause irritation to them.

  5. Feed them the best diet you can, it helps reduce dander and shedding, and produces a nice healthy looking coat.

 

Speaking of Diet, let’s move on to that subject shall we? It’s a very talked about and contemplated topic for many cat owners out there. I am hoping I can help you guys out on this one. 

Cat Food Compilation/ Chart

  1. Cats by nature are carnivores, so in the best circumstances they would be on an all wet food diet/raw food diet. They need a large amount of protein/taurine in their diets to thrive. However, that does not mean that they can’t flourish and survive well on a dry food diet alone, or a dry food/wet food combination diet, provided they receive the nutrients that they need.

  2. Wet food contains more water, protein, taurine and is less dense in carbohydrates and fats, and that is why it leaves less chance of obesity, and gives a healthier looking coat/less shedding and dander.

  3. Low quality food (mainly low quality dry food, but this does not exclude wet foods) Can cause health issues over years of use. The leading and most obvious being obesity, but is accompanied by urinary tract infections/diseases, kidney and liver disease, and bladder stones.

  4. If the only option is to feed the lower quality foods, best bet is to either 1) Don’t free feed- Have meal times and measure out the amount the animal consumes per meal (twice a day) 2) Have a wet/dry food combination, or just wet food itself. Even if it is of lower quality, that wet food will help hydrate the animal and keep organs functioning properly.

  5. If you feed a nutrition rich diet, not only will you have a healthier animal over all, but they will have more energy, and produce less waste and eat less (as their body can use more of the nutrients from their food)

  6. Dry food does not “clean” an animals teeth, it may help reduce the rate at which tarter builds, but it does not remove it once it is there. The only thing that will clean their teeth is brushing them/getting a dental yourself.

I’ve made a list of brand name foods that come in dry and wet canned foods, from best to worst, and I will list why.

BEST- These foods are the best of the best, they are sold by Veterinary clinics and pet stores. They contain essential vitamins and nutrients needed for healthy coat/digestive system and organ function. Price- High

  • Healthy Advantage – Treats also applicable for these brands

  • Science Diet

  • Royal Canin.

GOOD- These foods are good, and can be purchased at most pet stores. They contain the nutrients needed, some grain/byproduct fillers but the majority of the food is dense in nutrition that is needed for the animal to flourish. Price- Average-High (A lot of these come in grain free options)

  • Blue Wilderness     -Natures Variety  – Blue Sensitive Solutions/Freedom

  • Authority                -Greenies Cat Treats   – Wellness Complete Health

  • Nutro Max               -Nutrience Grain Free Treats     -NUTRO

  • Purina PRO PLAN(Higher end of Purina Products)  -Higher end IAMS food products

NOT SO GOOD- These can be purchased at most grocery/retail stores. These foods are dense in carbohydrates, lack nutrients and are mostly byproduct and grain filler additives. These are what can cause the above mentioned health concerns. These are often bought because of the amount/price offer.

PRICE – Low- Average.

  • Meow Mix           – Whiskas                               -Pure Balance

  • Friskies                 – Purina Cat Chow                -Temptations Cat Treats

  • Iams                       -Purina ONE Cat Chow

  • Special Kitty          – Fancy Feast

I'm an animal lover/fanatic, I love the arts (drawing, acting playing music) I have worked as a veterinary kennel and grooming assistant. I love to be educated. Acting, Music, Fitness,Nutrition, Art, and love are my lifestyle.

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