| A few years ago, a recently divorced gentleman | | | | to allow "free feeding." Cats like routine, so take |
| adopted a cat at my shelter. He wanted a companion | | | | advantage of that and keep a meal schedule. Keep |
| but couldn't risk a pet that might bark, since he lived in | | | | only fresh food in the bowl to prevent the growth of |
| an apartment, so he opted to adopt his very first cat. | | | | bacteria, mold and attracting insects. |
| When I visited him a few hours later, at his request, to | | | | Plenty of water is no mistake; however, cats don't |
| see if he had things set up correctly, I had to stifle | | | | drink large amounts of water, so a bowl with one to |
| some laughter. He had made some basic mistakes | | | | two cups of water is sufficient for the day. Just be |
| with his cat, but nothing serious that couldn't be fixed | | | | sure to change it often enough to keep it fresh... at |
| immediately. | | | | least daily. Never expect your cat to drink from a slimy |
| The first thing I noticed was that everything was | | | | bowl with days-old water. |
| over-full. The litter box had sand up to the rim. The | | | | 2. Not providing the cat its own bed. Many new cat |
| water and food bowls also were filled to the rim. At | | | | owners expect kitty to either sleep on the bed with |
| least it was obvious he wanted to be a good provider. | | | | them, or to simply find a quiet corner somewhere for |
| But clearly he'd had no education in basic physics! | | | | the night. A new cat is not going to be in love with you |
| I'm sure the cat would have made its first mess after | | | | on the first day, so forget about sharing your bed for |
| using that litter box, and the new owner might have | | | | now. There are exceptions, but don't insist on it. If it |
| been annoyed. So the first thing I did was to remove | | | | happens, just appreciate it. Always give kitty some |
| more than half the litter, explaining that cats need to | | | | time to make the decision to join you, if that's what |
| bury their waste and do so by pawing the sand. Too | | | | you want. |
| much sand, and most of it will end up on the floor. | | | | Be sure to let him see where he is allowed to sleep. |
| Even a fastidious cat would not be able to avoid that. | | | | Set up a box, a basket, or a shelf with a towel or |
| Filling food bowls too full might not lead to a mess, but | | | | fluffy mat for comfort. Sprinkle a little catnip on it to |
| could lead to some weight gain, or vomiting, or spoiled | | | | help create some interest, and place the bed in a |
| food, since cats don't always eat whatever is in their | | | | low-traffic location in your home. Cats value privacy, |
| bowl, as a dog would. The second thing I did, then, was | | | | quiet and security. Even a "wild and crazy" cat needs |
| to put half the food back in the bag. Then I emptied | | | | to get away from the excitement now and then to |
| some of the water out, too, since that could cause a | | | | relax and feel safe. |
| mess if someone bumped it. | | | | 3. Not providing identification. Many people believe their |
| These, then, are the 3 most common mistakes | | | | indoor cats do not need an ID tag. That's true... most of |
| first-time cat owners make and how to fix them: | | | | the time. However, many cats have escaped from the |
| 1. Over-filling bowls and pans. There really only needs | | | | house without a collar, tag or any means of |
| to be no more than 2 inches of sand in the litter pan. | | | | identification. Most of them come back inside in a little |
| It's not only easier for the cat, but easier for the human | | | | while, but once in a while, one becomes lost or injured, |
| to scoop out the solids, and there is less chance of | | | | or frightened, and does not come back. |
| strewing sand everywhere. | | | | There is a saying in the rescue community: "Ninety-five |
| Filling food bowls isn't even necessary. According to | | | | percent of pets with no identification are never |
| many pet nutrition experts, cats only need about one | | | | returned, but ninety-five percent of those with ID are |
| half to one cup of food, twice a day, depending on | | | | reunited with their owners." It's a loose "statistic," but |
| their size and age. Kittens need to eat more often, of | | | | the concept is valid. Another sad fact is that more |
| course, since they are growing, and senior cats need | | | | effort is made to return a dog than a cat. To be safe, |
| less, because they have lower energy needs. Also, | | | | cats should have some identification, even if they are |
| many experts advise against leaving food out all day | | | | strictly indoors. |