Cats are wonderful companions, especially for someone who is gone for many hours each day or who wants a pet that is lower maintenance and less demanding than a dog.

But a cat is still a HUGE responsibility! They need your care to stay healthy and happy. Keep these tips in mind:

The single most important thing you can do for your cat's well-being is keep him indoors. This will lessen his risk of catching an infectious disease, getting hit by a car, or becoming a victim of poisoning or abuse. It will also prevent him from fighting with other cats.

Bring your kitty in for regular wellness exams once yearly until she reaches middle age, and then bring her in every 6 months. After she turns 2 years old, she ages 4-5 years for every one of yours. Cats are particularly resourceful at hiding signs of illness until the disease has advanced, and regular veterinary exams can lead to an earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.

Kittens need a series of immunizations starting at approximately 8 weeks of age. Once they become adults, immunizations will be based on their environment and lifestyle, and these should not be overlooked. Follow the schedule recommended for your cat.

Canned food is preferable to dry kibble to reduce the risk of obesity or chronic urinary problems. Higher protein diets are also better for cats than diets higher in carbohydrates.

Make sure fresh water is always available. Some cats may prefer a kitty water fountain that circulates water over a plain bowl.

Brush your cat regularly, especially if he has long hair or is prone to hairballs. This will prevent the formation of mats, lessen the amount of hair you vacuum around your house, and decrease the incidence of hairballs. Most cats love the attention!

Enrich your cat's environment with interactive toys to exercise her mind! This will provide mental stimulation, prevent boredom, and decrease stress that can lead to behavioral problems. You can place tartar-control treats or some dry food in a puzzle ball for your cat to "solve" to get the goodies.

Toys that will allow your cat to exercise her natural predator-prey instincts are lots of fun. You can use a feather at the end of a long stick, a toy ball, or a laser pointer to play with your feline friend.

Encourage physical activity with safe places for your cat to climb.

Keeping litter boxes clean is a must! The general rule is to have one more litter box than you have cats. So if you have 2 cats, you need 3 litter boxes. They should be spread in different parts of the house, and if you live in a multi-story house, there should be litter boxes on each floor. Clean litter at least once daily, and change it out completely once weekly or more.

Cats are actually very social creatures, but they do require some time for solitude--away from other cats, humans, and the activities of a busy family. Be sure each cat has his own place to retreat and feel safe.

Keep your cat on monthly heartworm and flea preventives. Yes, even indoor cats are susceptible to these nasty parasites, as well as a few others. There are products on the market that are very easy to administer.

If you are going to have a baby or want to add another pet to your household, be sure to ask us how to best introduce your cat and the newest family member.

Cats are beautiful animals who can bring much happiness into your life! Give yours a healthy start to a long and happy lifetime of love!