Care Sheet for CatsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 4.64 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 11/03/2006 |
Main Category: | Non-Reptile/Amphibian |
Sub Category: | Cats |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Senshokukiba |
Years Experience: | 10 to 15 Years |
Species: | Cats |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | This page contains information on all of the domestic breeds of felines that exist today. |
Sexing and Characteristics: | In a male cat the uro-genital opening is a small, circular dot below and slightly separated from the anus. You may also be able to notice slight swelling in of the testicles that are right below the anus. When sexing a female you should expect to find the opening (Vulva) in the exact situation. However, the females Vulva is closer to the anus and is a bit elongated vertically. Size has nothing to do with sexing a cat. Males and females may weigh heavier or lighter than one another. It just depends on the cat. |
Mostly Active During: | Night |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Like many animals, cats depend on water to survive. Felines should always have a bowl of fresh, cool water. Now, I am not talking about the pond or lake outside of your house for many lakes and such carry harmful bacteria and algae that can kill a cat. Your feline companion needs a refreshing bowl of water, which should always be filled. Keep in mind that cats do not desire warm water, but cool water. If the water in their bowl is warm they may refuse to drink it. Now, since cats do not actually like the water, a large pool area for them is not required. Although some cats do actually enjoy swimming, many do not. |
Lighting and UVB: | Felines do not require any special lighting. In the daytime many of them enjoy basking in the sun’s warm rays, loving the feel of it’s warmth. Although they are constantly prancing about and frolicking in the bright hours, cats, or so I believe, are more active during darker hours. If you observe your cat at night you will see that they do not sleep as much as they do during day. Instead they spend their time lurking around your furniture or your chairs. It seems that their curiosity grows in the dark. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Like dogs, cats can claim hypothermia, heat strokes, and others of the sort. Because of this I recommend keeping your feline in a temperature no lower than 55 degrees and a temperature no higher than 75. Long haired cats such as Exotics or Persians would do well in a cooler environment. Because of their thick coats they are idea for not-so-hot areas. Curly coated cats, like the Laperm, also would not do well in an extremely hot climate. Their thick strands of fur make them vulnerable in warm areas. Shorthiared cats, including Spynxes, Bombays, or Devon Rexes, would do fine in warm temperatures. It basically just depends upon the coat of the cat and their liking for the climate. |
Heating and Equipment: | Cats need no additional heating fixtures. Just make sure they have an area around the house where they can stay warm or cool. However, they do require a variety of items in order to keep them happy and content. You’ll need to have a water dish and a food dish. Cats also require a litter box as well a scoop which will be used to scoop out their litter box. You will need to buy kitty litter. Do not purchase newspaper cat litter. This will just absorb all of their urine and smell. Depending on the amount of cats you have an additional cat litter box may be needed. Cats will also need plenty of toys to keep them satisfied. Now, you do not really need to spend an extremely high amount of money in order to please your cat. You can find plenty of toys for your cat around the house, including bottle caps, toilet paper, or even a brown paper bag. If you wish to buy your cat a toy from the pet store than feel free to. It’s your choice. You can buy extra items such as cat beds or cat trees. This is not a must though. Cat trees do well though for cats as well as small scratching posts. Cats feel the need to sharpen their claws and mark their territory. Therefore you will need some thing that will keep your cat from clawing up your sofa. |
Caging Provided: | I do not recommend confining your cat to a cage, especially during long periods of time. Cats are curious, active creatures by nature and need space. I believe you should have a cat who is able to roam around your household freely. |
Diet: | Omnivorous |
Description of Diet: | The best diet for your feline friend is a natural one, which should come as close as possible to the one they’d have in the wild. All cats should have a quality, well blended food source that they can rely on to keep them healthy and strong.
The brand of food you choose should contain the AAFCO statement. This will state this diet has been found adequate by the Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO). You should also look for a statement on the label that describes the food as complete, balanced, perfect or scientific. If the bag contains none of the following you should think about getting another brand of cat food. The brand should be well balanced, containing minerals, protein, water, vitamins, fats, and carbohydrates. When a quality food is used that has the proper balance of all these properties the cat will have a very healthy coat, clear eyes, strong immune system, proper weight and small firm stools. I recommend that you always have available food for your cat. Like us, cats can tell when they don’t need to eat any more. They rarely will eat more than they need. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | There are many helpful supplements for your cat. I myself use Fortified Omega Fatty Acids 3, 6, and also 9 in order to give my cat a healthier coat. I only recommend supplements if your veterinarian or some knowledgeable cat expert tells you to use a supplement. Pregnant cats or cats for bred for show may be given supplements. You should first consult your veterinarian before giving your feline a supplement. |
Maintenance: | Cats require food daily as well as water to survive. They must have their bathroom area kept tidy, scooped at least once a day. Giving them a a bath at least once a month is some thing I think every one should do. Occasional grooming, depending on the breed of the cat, is a must. Some breeds require grooming a lot, and some as little as once every few weeks. A cat’s claws my grow to long and will possibly grow into the cat’s paw if to long. You should clip your cat’s nails every two - three Weeks. Like many other animals cats must Have yearly veterinarian check-ups as well as shots. (before you purchase a cat make sure you can give it the proper vaccinations it needs.) Without shots or vaccinations your cat can catch Feline Lukemia (Felv) or can become rabies. |
Some Words on this Species: | Today over one million felines inhabit our world, many strays. Every year thousands of cats are humanely euthanized do to the increasing population of unwanted feral cats. Cats are spectacular creatures and make great companions who welcome you into their life with open arms. From the Burmese to the Singapura cats make a wonderful addition to any family. With proper care your cat and you will live a long, happy life together.
I would like to dedicate this care sheet to my five year old Tonkinese, Missy. I adopted her from the Phoenix Humane Society when she was just six months old. Once a sad and lonely kitten confined to a small cage, she now makes her home in my house, spending her time frolicking outside and relaxing on my lap. |
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