You And Your Cat

It's time to get personal with your cat. You love your cat, but you need to show your firm side, especially when it's about cats and children. Usually, cats are found to mingle with kids easily. But, you need to get the right kitty for your kid.

There are some cats that hate noisy surroundings. And a home with kids is bound to have noise. There are also the "happy-go-lucky" breeds of feline that are found to rest coolly on the perch while kids play around.

One thing that cats love is attention. But, it should be gentle. Kids hovering and pushing her would scare the poor thing. Moreover, cats are known to respond to affectionate touch. Therefore, it's important to teach your kids how to handle the cat in the house. Pulling or grabbing the cat might make her aggressive. You need to make a list of rules and let every member of the family know about them. Why not put up the list on the refrigerator?

Cat proofing your home is crucial. Cats love to explore. And this can lead them to hazardous materials present in the house. Certain plants like the poinsettias are poisonous for cats. Others may be hard to digest when chewed and may result in an upset stomach. Don't let your cat play with electric cords. They may either get electrocuted, or get entangled and suffocate themselves. Also, cats tend to jump over counter tops. Make sure there are no dangerous appliances like curling irons, stove burners, and others over the counters. Cats are just like babies - restless and curious. You never know when they slip away from sight, lured by their curiosity. So, watch out for those unattended hot bathtubs, open toilet seats, closets, grocery bags, and other such items that may prove to be dangerous for your furry explorer.

Now, if you don't want a depressed or bored cat around the house, have some fun! Playing with your cat is one of the important activities you need to indulge in. Although cats don't need rigorous exercise like dogs, they certainly need your attention. And what better time to give her all the affectionate and cuddling moments than playtime!

A cat that has no one to play with gets frustrated and aggressive. Then, you can't blame her for scratching your favorite furniture or hiding timidly behind it. Remember, cats are natural hunters. They need to prowl in search of prey. It helps build confidence and swiftness in them. However, domestic cats hardly get a chance to hunt in the wild. But, you can substitute this with games that involve stalking, chasing, and pouncing. How all this cheers them up!

Talking of cheering up, cats are the best companions to cheer up the elderly. The bond between cats and the elderly is simply marvelous! Cats motivate the elderly to indulge in physical activities that, in turn, improves their health. These purring mammals are found to alleviate post-surgery pains in senior citizens. They help to lower their blood pressure and pull them out of gloom. Many elderly people have been found to stop taking painkillers after getting a cat!

So, it's time to dance a little jig with your furry friend -
She swishes her tail, licks her paw;
Oh! So gently she crawls from behind
You just can't help but drop your jaw!