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FEEDING
Place feeding and water bowls in a quiet, low-traffic area. Always feed in the same place and at the same times each day. Cats are creatures of habit and don’t like changes. Keep feeding area away from the litter boxes. Respect your kitty’s right to eat in peace. Choose only premium foods to feed your kitty. Avoid giving your kitty people food (no matter how much he begs). Ask your veterinarian for suggestions on what food and brands your kitty should eat.
NOTE: Feeding, playing, grooming and attention times should be kept on a schedule (as much as possible). This will help your kitty feel secure and help avoid behavioral problems later on.
LITTER BOX
It is suggested that for each cat you have, provide one extra litter box. Example: 1 cat-2 litter boxes, 2 cats-3 litter boxes, etc. Some cats choose to urinate in one litter box and defecate in a separate litter box. Provide litter boxes large enough for kitty to turn around in and be able to dig in. There are several  styles to choose from at your local pet store. There are also a variety of litters to choose from. Cats prefer something that feels like sand, although they easily adapt to other forms. Scoop the litter boxes daily (kitty’s like clean bathrooms). Once a week, completely empty litter and wash the litter box with unscented soap and water. Put fresh litter back in and kitty will be very happy. Never use pinesol products to clean litter boxes or bowls. The oil residue is toxic to cats.
GROOMING & BATHING
Grooming your kitty can be pleasurable for both you and your kitty. If the cat resists grooming, don’t be alarmed. Start with very short sessions. Begin by brushing their head and neck gently. Most kitty’s won’t mind this. If the brush or comb bothers them, just use you hand. Keep sessions short to begin and gradually increase the length of time and the area on their body. There are  several types of grooming brushes and combs to choose from. Check with your local pet store.
Bathing your kitty will probably not be so pleasurable. There may be times that your kitty will need a bath. Normally cats are very clean because they spend a large amount of time grooming, and that will be all the cleaning they will need. If you do need to give your kitty a bath, it will be easier if you have help. Choose a place to bathe your kitty. The kitchen sink is the easiest, or you may choose to use the bathtub. To reduce the stress on your kitty, have everything ready. Things to consider are:
* Have sink or tub filled with warm water
* Place towel in sink or tub for kitty to sink its claws into.
* Have shampoo ready (use only shampoo specifically made for cats).
* Towel for drying.
* Hair dryer.
Place kitty in warm water and soak the fur. If you have a spray nozzle, this would be good for wetting and rinsing your kitty. Once kitty is wet, use a small amount of shampoo and lather kitty’s fur. Rinse well. Towel dry your kitty. If your kitty will allow it, use a hair dryer on low to dry your kitty. If not, towel dry real good and you may want to keep your kitty in a warm room until it dries. Don’t be surprised if your kitty begins to groom itself immediately. Your kitty will spend a lot of time (after its bath) grooming. Also, don’t be surprised if kitty hacks up a major furball.
TRIMMING CLAWS
PLEASE!!! DO NOT DECLAW YOUR KITTY!!!!!!!
Begin clipping your cats nails as a kitten. Use cat nail clippers. Don’t use human nail clippers because they can tear the cats nails. Look in your pet store for the guillotine type and get the blade replacements or get the scissors type, with short hooked blades. Trim your kitty’s claws every 10 to 14 days. The back claws may not need to be trimmed this often.
Rest your kitty comfortably in your lap, the floor or a table. Take the paw in one hand and press a toe pad to extend the claw. Look for the pink tissue, this is the quick. Avoid clipping into the quick. Clip between the pink area and the tip of the claw. Clip each claw in this manner. If kitty becomes impatient, take a break and finish later. You can clip the cats claws by yourself but it is easier with help.
When the trimming session is complete, praise your kitty (verbally, play session or food treat).
SCRATCHING POST
Scr atching posts come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and prices. Your kitty will love playing, hiding, scratching and just laying on a scratching post. You can build your own scratching post. If you are not a carpenter your can purchase scratching post at your local pet store or online. A scratching post is a great tool to help in redirecting your kitty from scratching your furniture. A well built scratching post will almost last forever. You may have to recarpet parts of it but that is very easy to do. Scratching post are well worth the money you pay for them.
TOYS & PLAYING
All cats love to play and most cats love playing with humans. Playing with your kitty is a great time for bonding (as is grooming and kitty massages) and is great exercise. There are some great kitty toys at you pet stores, but kitty’s don’t need hi-tech toys to be happy. Try crumpling paper into a ball and watch your kitty bat it around (kitty will also shred it into pieces). Play “Hide and Seek”, chasing games “peek-a-boo”, etc. A simple box or papers bag will provide hours of entertainment. Cats love the little toy mice that can be purchased at the store. Consider flashlights and laser pin lights. Be careful that you do not shine the laser light into their eyes (they don’t like flashlight in eyes either). Make sure when purchasing or making toys for your kitty, that you keep their safety in mind. Avoid tiny toys that could be swallowed or could choke the kitty. Avoid toy’s that have sharp or loose parts. Avoid toy;s that could strangulate, shred or obstruct the intestines (string, rubber bands, dental floss, etc.). Another great pastime that kitty’s seem to love is watching TV (especially the Animal Planet). You can now purchase videos specifically for your kitty. Have a great time playing with your kitty. Be safe.
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