Grooming

            There are many tools, such as brushes, combs, and nail clippers, used for grooming cats.  Since most cats lick themselves to stay clean, many do not need to be groomed.  Cats with longer hair need longer and more frequent brushings or grooming sessions.  Cats that have short hair do not need too much grooming attention, but they still need to be brushed a few times a week.  Cats remove dead hair from their coats by licking it with their rough tongues.

Training

            Most cats are usually easy to train to use a litter box, which may be the most essential training.  If your cat will not use the litter box, move it to somewhere else.  Cats can also teach themselves to open doors.  Cats will normally come when called with food.  Out door cats can be trained to use a door flap.  When a cat does something wrong, say, “No,” and it will eventually learn not to do it.

Choosing a Cat

             When selecting a cat, a lot of things are very important.  Checking the cat’s body is important because you can see if the cat is healthy.  After you have chosen your cat, take it to the veterinarian for a check-up.  Pedigreed cats usually come from a breeder and tend to be more expensive than non-pedigreed cats.  Most of the time a kitten will have its shots and adults will have their boosters if the cat was adopted from a humane society.  Kittens may require a lot of attention, but they get used to a new home better than adults do.  Dander and other problems may cause an allergic reaction to you.

 Fun Facts

             Did you know…?

v     Former President Bill Clinton was allergic to his cat and had to receive shots.

v     Cats wonder how they benefit when they respond to being called.

v     Cats purr for many reasons, such as to play, show affection, calm an enemy, or say that they come in peace.

v     Different kinds of meows and actions mean different things.

v     Cats play with their food to exhaust it for an easy kill.

v     The oldest cat on record was 36 years old.

v     Cat’s tails balance their fall so they can land on their paws.