OFTENTIMES we make mistakes as cat owners and ignore certain needs that either cause the animals health problems, or make them miserable. This is because cats are relatively low maintenance and independent, leaving many owners to believe that they can totally take care of themselves.

But things like proper feeding and grooming are extremely important, and involves you, the owner, dedicating a bit more time to cat care. It’s good to have a basic understanding of what a cat needs before you become a cat owner, and if you already own cats, to make them live their happiest and healthiest lives possible.

Here are a few things to consider:

Grooming time

Even though cats are fastidious about grooming themselves, cat owners also have to chip in, and more often than you’d think.

Make sure to:

*Brush your cat’s hair everyday, or every two days so the animal doesn’t shed as much. Remember when there is excess hair, the cat will lick at it, causing problems with hairballs.

*Brush through, or use your hands to detangle areas where the cat’s fur is matted. This is seen especially on the cat’s abdomen.

*Give the cat a bath as needed. This is needed if the cat has fleas, if the cat has been boarding out, or if the cat is around less clean animals.

*Remove matter from the cat’s eyes with a q-tip.

*Remove dirt from the cat’s ear with a q-tip too, taking the same precautions you do for yourself.

Feeding time

One of the most common misconceptions about cats is that the cat needs milk and fish and will be fine with that diet alone. In fact, some cats can’t tolerate milk, and fish alone as a solid is not enough nutritionally. Make sure instead to:

*Ensure that your cat has a fresh supply of water everyday.

*Invest in dried cat food, which will have many of the nutrients your cat or kitten needs.

*If you like, mix the dried cat food with sardines or mackerel or canned cat food for more variety.

Play time

Like for humans, exercise is very important for your cat to keep healthy. Ensure that:

*Your cat has the space and the facilities to romp.

*You provide toys like yarn and balls to keep the cat entertained.

*You make sure the cat’s diet isn’t rich in too much fats or carbohydrates, which will pack on the pounds.

*You play with your cat.

Taking care of business

One of the key elements to cat care is ensuring that your cat doesn’t add its genes to the growing cat population. Spay your female cats and neuter your male cats, as one of the first to-do things on your list when you get a new cat, or when thinking of proper care for the cat you already have.