Complete Cat Care

It is not difficult to make room in your life for a cat. As millions of devoted owners have discovered, cats are good at adapting themselves to both small homes and large. They will settle happily either as an exclusive companion in a one-person apartment or claiming a share of attention in a busy family. Cats are free spirits. Indoors or out, they like to suit themselves and go where they will— house rules permitting. They choose when to be sociable and when to stalk away. They do not want a daily walk, and most tolerate being left alone for long periods. But self-sufficient as these beautiful animals are, there is more to cat care than putting out bowls of food and providing a comfortable lap on demand. Cats depend on us to pay attention to their mental and physical health and welfare, and you will find useful advice here on how to interpret and respond to their behavior. The opening chapter will help you decide whether you are ready to take on the responsibility of cat ownership and offers guidance on essential equipment and the practicalities of making your home welcoming △ Eating sensibly Make sure your cat’s diet contains the correct balance of nutrients. Keep track of his weight and adjust portion sizes if necessary. △ Regular health checks Help keep your cat fit for life by monitoring his health with regular examinations at home and taking him to the vet for a routine annual check-up. ▽ Sense of fun Cats can be playful well into old age. There is plenty of scope for fun outdoors, but if you keep your cat indoors you need to provide him with entertainment. and cat-proof. This is followed by a wealth of advice on routine care—including grooming, bathing, and feeding at all stages of life from kitten to senior—as well as suggestions for coping with behavioral problems and, not least, having fun with your cat. Two chapters on health explain the common cat disorders in detail, plus how to recognize the signs of ill-health, what to do for a sick cat or in an emergency situation and, most importantly, when to call the vet. A final section discusses what is involved if you decide to breed from your cat and how to give the mother and her kittens the best possible care.