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It's national adopt a cat month!More >> Before training your cat, determine how well she will respond well to training. More >> Before you pull over, good Samaritan that you are, here are some guidelines for assisting animals safely and effectively. More >> Before you pull over, good Samaritan that you are, here are some guidelines for assisting animals safely and effectively. More >> The outdoors can be a dangerous place for cats if they go unsupervised. Here are a few hazards you should be aware of before opening the door.More >> Dental disease is a problem for cats of all ages, especially older ones, and ven lead to much greater health problems than a cavity to fill here and there.More >>
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Have a great pet photo? Whether yours is a blue ribbon winner or a mutt, share your pet’s picture in the KTRE.com Photo Gallery! More >> Have a great pet photo? Whether yours is a blue ribbon winner or a mutt, share your pet’s picture in the KTRE.com Photo Gallery! More >> The City of Lufkin Animal Services is located at the Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter, 1901 Hill Street. Animal Services is a support division of the Lufkin Police Department.More >> The City of Lufkin Animal Services is located at the Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter, 1901 Hill Street. Animal Services is a support division of the Lufkin Police Department. Animal Services enforces city ordinances and state laws inside the city limits of Lufkin.More >> The East Texas Working Dog Association is a small group of dog lovers who enjoy training and competing in obedience, agility, and flyball.More >> The East Texas Working Dog Association is a small group of dog lovers who enjoy training and competing in obedience, agility, and flyball. The organization also promotes responsible pet ownership, and is always happy to put on free demonstrations for other local clubs and organizations.More >> The Nacogdoches Animal Shelter is dedicated to providing and promoting the humane treatment of animals while protecting the public by managing the animal population inside Nacogdoches . More >> The Nacogdoches Animal Shelter is dedicated to providing and promoting the humane treatment of animals while protecting the public by managing the animal population inside Nacogdoches. The shelter also adopts out animals to loving families and encourages all pet owners to spay or neuter their pets in order to keep the pet population down.More >> Click here to learn more about the O'Malley Alley Cat Organization in Lufkin.More >> Click here to learn more about the O'Malley Alley Cat Organization in Lufkin.More >>
Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained, he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your feline companion.
- Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.
- Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local governments, protects both cats and people in the community.
- Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community.
- Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.
- Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.
- Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
- Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.
- Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.
- Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.
- Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out the HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.
Copyright © 2002 The Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.
