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• Part 1 of 3: Taking good care of your cat
• Part 2 of 3: Stimulating the cat in the house
• Part 3 of 3: Exploring the outside world

You have a cat in the house and you want to make it as happy as possible. Caring for a pet that has its own personality and charm is one of the most rewarding parts of the relationship. You can learn to keep your pet as happy and healthy as possible.

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Part 1 of 3: Taking good care of your cat

1. Feed your cat well. The right diet is extremely important to your cat's well-being. Obesity is a common source of problems in domestic animals. Look for a good quality cat food at your favorite pet store and make sure it is age appropriate.
   • Follow the instructions on the package to determine the correct amount. While these are guidelines only, the manufacturer often overestimates the amounts, so consider whether the cat needs to be lighter or heavier.
   • If you don't know which brand to choose, ask your vet for advice. He or she will be happy to help you.
   • Be cautious with treats. Cats are always on the lookout for good food and will beg for their favorite piece of fish. Give treats in moderation to avoid obesity.
   • Do not leave meat and fish on the counter unattended. Remember, cats can jump high and don't obey rules. If you're not there, those delicious sausages on the table will likely end up in your cat's stomach.
2. Keep your cat healthy. Felines can get a variety of diseases, both indoors and outdoors. It is important to take your cat to the vet for a check-up at least twice a year. Your cat must also be neutered to prevent unwanted kittens and lower the risk of feline AIDS.
   • In more and more countries it is mandatory to neuter your cat to keep the cat population under control.
   • Don't forget to ask for standard worm and flea treatment, especially if your cat is outside a lot. Cats will be very unhappy if they have to scratch themselves all the time!
   • Get your cat microchipped at the vet. You can save a lot of effort if the animal is lost and found, and sometimes it is mandatory.
   • Look out for the following symptoms: weight loss, lack of energy, aggressive behavior, eye infections, wounds, limping, dirty ears.
3. Keeps its environment clean. Cats have no choice but to be clean. It is necessary to be odor free if you want to hunt and survive. As a result, cats are very sensitive to odors and require a spotlessly clean environment to make them happy.
   • Don't wash your cat. Cats are excellent at keeping themselves clean and have a long-lasting routine of odor-free. Only wash the animal if it is particularly dirty or if it has been in contact with a poisonous product that it should not be swallowed.
   • Keep the litter box nice and clean. Cats bury their poo to avoid detection. It's their nature to expect a clean litter box, and if it isn't, they can move on to something else. Replace it at least twice a week and scoop out the mounds once a day.
4. Pet your cat. Cats usually love to interact with their owner. Cuddle your cat at least twice a day and make sure to talk to him. Most cats like to be petted behind the ears, on the sides of the nose and under their chin.
   • Always stroke the cat from forehead to tail. Put your hand upside down and follow the spine. Do not go against the growth direction of the coat. Most cats hate that.
   • Never touch its tail and legs. Cats hate that!
   • If he trusts you, a cat can let you stroke his stomach. Never pet him there yourself, because it is a stress cause for the animal.
   • Cats don't like to be touched for too long. If the animal shows signs of annoyance or stress, stop immediately.
   • Cats are sometimes unpredictable. Always stay with a child when a child is petting a cat. Show your child how to touch your cat gently and avoid quick movements. If the cat feels threatened, it will scratch.

Part 2 of 3: Stimulating the cat in the house

1. Give your cat freedom. Cats need their own place to feel happy. Don't be constantly busy with him and let him do his own thing. Give the cat a quiet place in the house where the children will not bother him.
   • A cat's personal space doesn't have to be large. Cats like confined spaces, such as cardboard boxes, and will happily use them for a nap.
   • Grow a plant or cat grass near it. This special plant helps his digestive system and does not make the cat throw up like grass from the garden.
   • You can buy baskets at the pet store. Find a model that is easy to clean as it can get dirty and stink over time.
   • Make sure your cat can see out the window. They love to watch birds and people.
2. Provide entertainment. Cats are independent creatures and can be alone when you go to work. You can also make sure they have enough toys to keep them busy. You can buy cat toys at most pet stores and supermarkets. When you get home, don't forget to play with your cat! Cats need exercise.
   • You can also make your own cat toys. Tie a piece of string to a door handle and let the cat freak out.
   • Or you can give your cat a ball. Your cat will chase it as if it were a mouse.
   • Don't forget to put up a scratching post or your sofa will suffer.
   • Use a laser or flashlight and aim it at the floor. Your cat will try to catch the light and get very excited.
3. Adopt a second cat. Cats manage fine on their own, but are also happy with company. You may want to consider getting a second cat if you work long hours, and if you have the space and energy. Don't forget to sterilize them or you'll end up with a cat army! To introduce a new cat, take the following steps:
   • The existing cat will often be hostile at first. First, separate the new cat and let him get used to the room. Your old cat won't see it, but it will be able to smell it.
   • Introduce your cats to each other at mealtime, but place the food bowls on opposite sides of the room. Set them aside after eating and do this again the following days.
   • After a few more days, have them meet, but always keep an eye on the situation. If there is violence, quickly separate them and repeat the next day.

Part 3 of 3: Exploring the outside world

1. Get your garden ready for it. There are a few things to think about before you can let your cat outside. Provide a place to sleep outside. Cats love to take a nap in the garden. Find a place in the shade and shield it from the rain. Provide your outside door with a cat flap so that your cat can come and go. Put some food in a protected area.
   • Pay close attention to the food you put outside. Make sure it is not eaten by other animals.
   • Have your cat examined before leaving it outside. Talk to the vet about the dangers and things to watch out for.
2. Allow your cat to play outside. There are many debates about whether a cat can really be happy staying indoors. If you have green space around your house, consider letting it outside. Your cat is a predator and will enjoy the outside world. It's a great way to keep your cat fit.
   • Be careful if you live on a busy road. Cats don't do very well around cars.
   • For the first few days, keep an eye on your cat and don't let it go too far. Your cat needs time to get used to its new environment.
   • Be on the lookout for other cats. They may see your garden as their territory and your cat as a threat.
   • Don't put too much faith in your fence to keep your cat in the yard. He will no doubt find a way to escape.
   • It can be helpful to put a collar on your cat, but cats can get stuck on fences by their collars, causing them to choke. A microchip is a much safer option, and nowadays, veterinarians, animal ambulances and shelters scan cats before using it.
3. Let your cat hunt. Don't try to stop your cat from hunting birds and mice. Your cat is a predator, just like its cousin the lion, and will instinctively kill small animals. Don't forget to check that there are no dangerous animals outside. You don't want your cat to be prey!
   • Your cat will prefer to hunt mice and birds. You will probably also see it chasing flies and other insects.
   • Never punish your cat for catching and killing another animal. The cat will not understand why it is being punished!