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Given the differences between humans and felines, it’s amazing that we get along the way we do. These cat care tips deal with subjects such as preventing litter box problems and letting your cat act on her instincts. Following these tips will help you and your kitty to better bond and enjoy your lives together.

1. Lay your hands on your cat often - some cats just don’t like to be picked up no matter what. But, if you can start handling your cat often when she’s a kitten, chances are good she’ll better accept it later in life. She’ll also do better when it comes time to get checked by the vet or have her claws trimmed.

2. Check your cat for health problems - use weekly (or more often) grooming sessions to examine your cat for common health problems. Check your cat’s teeth, gums, eyes, ears, skin, and limbs for obvious problems. Check for fleas, ear mites, and signs of pain, swelling, or injury.

3. Let your cat sunbathe - cats love heat. In fact, domestic cats love warmth so much that they’ve been known to singe their fur on a hot stove. Cats love to sunbathe, so provide a bed for your cat by a window so she can have her place in the sun.

4. Indoor cats have more fun - indoor cats tend to get more attention and they live longer. Every major cat advocate organization recommends keeping your cat indoors for longer life, safety, and better health. Cats can live out a happy, healthy life indoors. With your help, they get the exercise they need, and survey their territory from a nice spot in front of the window.

5. Your cat wants to hunt, so let her - I’m not talking about rats. Get a few treats and spread them around the house to bring out the hunting instinct in your kitty. Also, try throwing dry food bits and watch her chase them down. This will make feeding time more interesting for both of you.

6. Lots of litter boxes - the objective is to have a fresh, available box to use at any given time for each cat. Some cats don’t like using a box that was recently used, even if they were the one to use it. So, follow the one plus one rule, which is one box for each cat in the house plus one more additional box.

7. Keep a clean cat box - clean the box twice a day and change the litter every few weeks. When you do, thoroughly clean the box and use bleach to disinfect. Keeping the box squeaky clean will help prevent any possible litter box problems that might arise.

8. Set aside playtime for you and your cat - play fetch with your cat, or dangle toys on a string for her. Play a game of tag and take turns chasing each other around the house whenever you can. Increase your cat’s exercise level daily and you’ll help lower risks of heart disease, diabetes and other diseases.

9. Must have cat toys - cat toys can be fun for both of you. Rotate your cat’s toys in and out of circulation so that you keep it interesting. Always, however, leave your cat’s favorites accessible. Heed warning labels, though, and do not leave your cat unsupervised as injury can occur. Also, a belt or a shoe lace, if used safely, can make a great interactive toy and provide exercise for your cat.

10. Get your cat a feline friend - every cat lover knows that two cats are better than one. When you can’t pay attention to your cat, a playmate in the house will. A second cat around the house will help to stave off boredom, encourage exercise, and offer comfort. Bored kitties are prime candidates for behavior problems, and are more likely to cause mischief.

Giving in to your cat’s instincts will make your kitty a better adjusted family member. More touching will bring you closer and make your cat more social, and keeping your cat indoors will keep her safe. The cat care tips concerning the litter box will save you some headache, and keeping your cat in good shape and never bored will keep her happy, and both of you out of trouble.

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Tags: Cats