by Laura Claire

Created on: May 06, 2008

Cats are as varied in temperament and physical appearance, as the people who love them. A generic blueprint for their care won't help a first-time cat owner appreciate the individuality of his or her new friend, but this guide to basic cat care will address concerns that are common to all cats. This is a set of general guidelines for:

* nutrition

* litter box setup and maintenance

* health and safety

* enriching the environment of an indoor cat

1. Dietary Requirements

A balanced feline diet contains a premium dry cat food, canned food, and a constant supply of fresh, clean, cool water. Dry kibble can be left out for your cat to eat as he will. Canned food spoils quickly, and it should only be left out for two to three hours before it is discarded. Place half a can of food in your cat's dish, and refrigerate the unused portion for later. Your vet will recommend a high-quality food that is lifestage-appropriate, but the most expensive food has no value to a cat who won't eat it. In other words, feed your cat what he likes. The feline diet should be centered around meat proteins, rather than carbohydrate-loaded fillers such as rice and corn, because a cats' digestive system is more suited to a carnivorous diet. Learning to read pet food labels is an invaluable tool to ensure that your pet is getting optimal nutrition. Meat (such as chicken or fish) should be the first ingredient listed on a cat food label, as opposed to a plant protein such as corn. Choose a food that contains meat, rather than meat byproducts. This will provide your cat with the highest quality protein source. The serving size on the label offers suggestions for feeding based on your cat's weight, but your vet can give you detailed assessment about how much your cat should eat and drink.

Water is an essential nutrient, especially important for feline urinary tract health. While it is acceptable for a cat to go several hours without food, he must never be denied access to fresh water. The amount your cat should drink depends on factors as varied as the weather, diet, and activity level. Cats on a diet of dry food only will need to consume more water than those who eat canned food. Some cats are not eager water drinkers, and in such a case, canned food becomes even more important for its water content. You can encourage water consumption.

* Place several filled bowls around the house.

* Use bottled water if your cat seems to dislike the smell or taste from the tap.

* Leave a faucet dripping slightly, if

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