Secrets to Raising a Happy, Healthy Cat

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jun 28, 2012) - (Family Features) A new kitten can make the "purr"fect addition to your family and provide companionship for years to come. Regardless of whether you've just adopted a kitten for the first time or are a seasoned pet parent, there are plenty of tasks to consider when it comes to cat care. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, follow these tips to ensure your cat is happy and healthy.

Satisfy the pickiest eaters
Cats are known to be picky eaters, but that doesn't mean you can't choose a healthy food option. Look for products with quality ingredients that will provide the nutrients your cat needs for its specific age. Kittens will need plenty of vitamins and minerals to support growth, while older cats may need something that aids in weight control, energy and bone support. Your veterinarian can help you choose healthy food that will satisfy even the pickiest cats. 

Choose natural litters
A natural cat litter can help limit the amount of chemicals your cat is exposed to and help bring the freshness of the outdoors, indoors. One option is Feline Pine® Clumping Cat Litter, which has no perfumes, additives or harsh chemicals. It is made from highly absorbent pine, which acts as a natural sponge to quickly and efficiently absorb moisture and eliminate odor naturally.

Stay on schedule
Too many cat naps can add extra pounds to your kitty's waistline. To ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight, stay on schedule when it comes to feedings. For households with several pet parents, make sure everyone is aware of when and who will feed the cat, especially during busy weeks. Also, be sure to incorporate play time into your cat's day. It's not only fun, but also a great work out!

Kitty-proof your home
Cats are naturally curious and have a knack for getting into trouble; therefore, creating a safe home environment is important, especially if you have a kitten. Cats love to explore and can jump to great heights so be sure to protect all nine lives by keeping harmful items -- poisonous plants, medications, or toxic substances -- in a closed space that can't be accessed by your cat. Remove any breakable items that could fall on them, and mount any artwork that could potentially get knocked over.

Get home safely
Sometimes, curiosity will get the best of well-behaved cats and cause them to wander from home. To ensure a happy homecoming, take extra precautions by putting an ID tag on your cat's collar with your phone number. Also, make sure you have several images of your cat in case it goes missing and you need to spread the word to ensure their save return.

For more cat parenting tips and to learn more about the natural Feline Pine® Clumping Cat Litter, visit www.FelinePine.com.

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