GUEST COLUMN By Annie Bruce, Cat Owner Consultant, with Harriet Baker, www.goodcatswearblack.com
— Provide each cat with a scratching post or other scratching object.
— Provide a suitable litter box for each cat plus one extra, and place these in a safe, private location. Clean and change litter regularly. If cats have free access to outside, they can learn to litter exclusively outside.
— Feed nourishing food, whether dry, canned, table leftovers, in a safe, private place. Provide a bowl of clean, fresh water at all times.
— Adopt spayed/neutered cats with healthy, whole paws and claws.
— Do not inflict declawing or tendonectomy on any cat.
— Provide a safe, private, comfortable space where the cat ( s ) can sleep peacefully. Cats sleep much of the day, and are more awake/active at night. Respect this natural feline 'body clock.'
— When a cat does something 'bad,' say 'No.' Do not use his/her name except when he/she behaves well and when you 'converse' or 'give gentle direction.' Examples: 'Come, Scotchie.' 'Good, Minnie.'
— Familiarize your cat with the outdoors by spending time together outside learning the whereabouts of traffic, property boundaries, passersby. Cats thus can become 'street smart,' which may save their lives. Unless there are inordinate threats to the cat's safety and welfare, allow cats time outside, if only on a harness and supervised.
— Play with your cat ( s ) and display gentle affection every day. Use toys, not your hands, in play. Keep your touch and your words gentle, and your attitude appreciative and caring.
— HEALTHY PAWS SERVE MANY IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS FOR A CAT.
— SCRATCHING IS NOT A MISBEHAVIOR.
— A LOG ON THE GROUND FOR OUTDOOR CATS TO SCRATCH IS A SPECIAL KINDNESS.