Always have your cat wearing a Collar that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance your cat may run out the door. An ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.

Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local governments, protects both cats and people in the community.

Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community.

Make sure your cat gets his regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.

Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.

 Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.

Train your cat to stop undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.

Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired cats need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.
Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your cat will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.  

Be loyal and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved.

Some helpful tips on cat behavior

Get to know your cat’s behavioral patterns and the biological and psychological reasons behind these behaviors. This will make for more desirable interaction between you and your cat.

When startled or scared, cats may hover against the wall with their ears flat and wrapped around its body. Its pupils may be fully dilated. Do not reach out to the cat in order to comfort it. The cat may lash out. Allow the cat to calm down and approach you on it’s own terms.

If your cat races around the house manifesting “crazy” behavior, the cat may be young and bored. Give the cat time to play with you using cat friendly devices that can be purchased in the pet stores. In addition, allow for more playtime between you and your cat. You may also consider adopting another cat to act as a companion.

Cats normally scratch surfaces like posts and furniture in order to mark their territory. If you want your cat to scratch his post instead of your furniture, place him near a favorite napping place of his.

When cats lie on their backs they aren’t necessarily inviting tummy rubs. Some may be displaying discomfort by manifesting biting your hand or by grabbing your arm if you engage with them.

When cats purr they sometimes drool because of the biological nursing relationship that has taken place between the kitten and mother to aid in bringing down more milk by kneading the mother’s belly. Whenever cats knead, they may drool and purr. Cats may also purr when injured or afraid.