How to Use Natural Cat Care
12-Apr-08
An increasing number of physical and mental problems in cats can be attributed to not living in a natural way. There are certain things that cats need and appreciate and our fast-paced, modern world might not take all of those factors into account. Cat care and training should be done is an natural a way as possible.
Fresh Water
Cats need water. If they do not get enough, they might develop kidney stones or cystitis. If your tap water contains a high amount of chemicals, your cat might not enjoy drinking it and become dehydrated. The answer to this problem would be to try bottled water, filtered water or even filtered rain water. If your cat is kept indoors, the water you put in her bowl is the only water available to her. If she still does not seem to want to drink, check the water bowl. Plastic can give off smells and metal bowls are sometimes too deep. Cats do not like their whiskers having to touch the sides of a bowl when eating or drinking. Saucers are too shallow and the water evaporates too quickly. Stone-wear can be a good choice. Make sure your toilet lid is always down, since cats are naturally inquisitive and this is not the healthiest water supply for them to be able to access!
Time Alone
Cats usually choose to live alone in the wild and do need solitude sometimes. Cats share a common space in the wild because it provides food and shelter but if the food supply runs out, the colony does not move away as a group. Cats can enjoy living in busy, multi-cat households but many find it stressful at times.
Some natural cat care methods to reduce this stress include:
* Ensuring each cat has its own litter tray, preferably in quiet parts of the house.
* Place shelves around the yard or high places for your cat to lie down in the house, so the cat can “get away from it all”. This especially applies if you have small children or other cats.
Hunting is Natural for Cats
If your cat is allowed outside, she will be able to stalk and hunt insects, birds and other prey. Indoor cats are unable to do this, so you can simulate the hunting experience with cat toys. You can make your own from tinfoil or empty cotton reels. You can dangle feathers or toys from a stick. Cats get bored easily so make sure they have a selection of items to play with.
Cats are Carnivores
All cats must eat meat to stay healthy. Cat diets high in carbohydrates can lead to diabetes and obesity. Wild cats live primarily off birds and rodents and do not each much vegetable matter. There are many “natural cat food” diet preparations on the market, as well as plenty of commercial preparations to choose from. Try to buy cat food which does not contain artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Dried fish skin and raw chicken wings encourage chewing, which keeps the cat’s teeth healthy.
Natural cat care is sure to be appreciated by your cat. She might live indoors or be an outdoor/indoor cat but cats still have natural instincts and behaviors which need to be observed and encouraged. The physical and mental wellbeing of your feline friend depends largely on her cat care and training.
Thomas Kellerman is a cat care and training professional. He has been in the industry for over 20 years. For his free 10 part mini-course or for detailed information on href=”http://www.ourcatsecrets.com”>Natural Cat Care you can click on the link here:
http://www.OurCatSecrets.com
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