You Own A Cat, Now You Need Cat Toys And Grooming Supplies

photo by greatbigshowoff, Flickr

Wild cats play with either each other or use what they find in the wild to play with.  Your cat is, however, is a house cat, therefore it behooves you to purchase or make cat toys for your feline, lest it play with lamp cords and other dangerous parts of your home. Granted kittens and grown cats are very inventive and can entertain themselves, however, they can also get themselves into untold trouble too!

Cat toys need not be expensive, though you can opt for mechanical wind-up or even battery-operated toys, however your cat will probably enjoy uncomplicated low-cost catnip-filled felt mice.
Of course it is your responsibility to provide <b>safe toys</b>.  Examine the toy carefully noting if there are any loose parts, or parts that can be pulled off the toy that may present a choking hazard.  Anything small enough to go down your cat’s throat is unsafe, as cats tend to place everything in their mouths. Choose toys that are made with non-toxic, natural, water based finishes. Plastic toys should be made of the highest quality; shatter resistant and PVC- free materials.

Safe choices include ping-pong balls, undersized plastic balls, paper bags, cardboard boxes, paper balls, rolled-up adult socks, and the ubiquitous catnip mouse. An interesting idea is to leave different toys out on different days so that your cat will never become bored or uninterested in a particular toy. Cats will especially appreciate a few toys left out for them to play with when you leave home for work or such.

Grooming your cat

Cats are fastidious self-groomers, and will take care of their fur better than you ever can.  Watch a cat give itself a bath, and you’ll see how judiciously they “cleanse” every portion of their fur.  However, at times, even the most fastidious cat needs a bit of help, and there are some cats that relish being brushed and cared for.  First, you must purchase a comb and brush especially made for grooming cats or kittens.  Persians and other longhaired cats will require combs and brushes designed for their long hair, for that kind of hair can develop annoying tangles.

Also be sure and keep supplies on hand for your cats such as mineral oil, cotton balls, cat shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste especially designed for cats, small scissors, cotton balls and their own towels. A styptic pencil is also a good idea to keep around for halting slow seeping blood. Nail clippers especially designed for cats should also be purchased.

Because collars and ID tags present a choking hazard to cats since they are fond of  jumping to high places  and crawling low under furniture, most cat owners recommend that a veterinarian insert a microchip to identify your cat.  It is a simple procedure, it does no harm, and you can have it inserted in kittens aged eight weeks or older. This is a permanent record of your ownership and cannot be lost or even removed by the cat itself.

In conclusion, a cat will bring you years of enjoyment, companionship and pleasure if you will but take on these negligible responsibilities.  As. T.S. Elliott wrote,  ”You now have learned enough to see that cats are much like you and me and other people whom we find possessed of various types of mind.”