Cats are beautiful, mysterious and fun - but their food, litter, toys and supplies, and veterinary care can get expensive! It costs at least $500 per year to care for a cat. When you go on a trip, you have to think about who will care for your cat. And as busy as you get, you must spend at least a few hours every day taking care of and hanging out with your feline friend. 

  WHERE TO GET A CAT

Please support your local animal shelter and adopt a cat! The cats and kittens waiting for homes need you! DON'T buy a kitten from a pet store or breeder! People who breed animals are adding to the numbers of animals already out there waiting for homes. When you buy an animal, you say it's OK to think of animals as "merchandise" - but they are really living, breathing creatures who should be treated with respect. Just look at all the cats and kittens waiting for homes in the Washington, DC area, http://www.washhumane.org,  http://www.metropets.org/. 

  EVERY DAY

People who don't have a cat sometimes think kitties are independent. But they really do need some time and attention every day. Kittens need more attention than adult cats - they need 4-6 meals a day, and adult cats need two meals a day - breakfast and dinner. Some people leave food out all day long, and that's OK as long as you don't have a fat cat! Bowls made of metal or glass are better than plastic - did you know that some cats are allergic to plastic bowls? 

While we're on the subject of food, it's worth the extra money to buy a brand that contains "whole" ingredients. That means reading the label to avoid anything that lists as ingredients by-products, artificial colors and flavors, sugar (which includes sucrose and fructose, corn syrup) and similar ingredients. These ingredients are not the best things to feed your cat. 

Cats also need fresh water and a scooped litterbox - make it a point to check these two things twice a day so your cat will be happy and healthy. Cats also need some play time with you and some hanging-out time every day. They love to sit with you (maybe in your lap!) for a few hours, and most cats love to be petted. 

  EVERY WEEK 

That litterbox probably needs to be scrubbed and the litter replaced! Most cats prefer an unscented brand of litter - cats don't like perfumes the way we do. And it's a good time to brush all that loose fur out of your cat's coat - since cats lick themselves all the time, you don't want a lot of extra hair forming hairballs in the cat's stomach. Check your cat's collar to be sure it isn't too tight or loose (you should be able to fit three fingers easily under the collar). Even indoor cats need a special just-for-cats safety collar with an ID tag in case they get out.  

  EVERY MONTH 

Check your cat's claws to see if they need a trim (it's easy to learn how to do this; ask your veterinarian to show you). It's also time for flea and tick control. For their own safety as well as the safety of area wildlife, cat's should not be permitted to go outside. If for whatever reason your cat does spend any time outside, ask your veterinarian for a once-a-month flea and tick product. (Flea collars don't work and can cause irritation, so don't waste your money on them). Does your cat need a new toy or two? Maybe a trip to the pet supply store? Or how about some do-it-yourself toys, like a ball of aluminum foil, a paper grocery bag for kitty to hide in, or a big empty box with "doorways" cut in it? Please don't give your cat string-cats can swallow it and get very sick. 

  EVERY YEAR 

Like all pets, cats need a yearly check-up at the veterinarian's. Your vet can talk to you about vaccinations (shots), your cat's weight, and any other health issues. In most states you are required by law to keep your cat vaccinated against rabies, so be sure to visit the vet every year!