Cats were domesticated sometime between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago in Africa and the Middle East. Small wild cats started hanging out where humans stored their grain. When humans saw cats up close and personal, they admired felines for their beauty and grace.

There are many different breeds of cats--from the hairless Sphinx and the fluffy Persian to the silvery spotted Egyptian Mau. But the most popular felines of all are non-pedigree—that includes brown tabbies, black-and-orange tortoiseshells, all-black cats with long hair, striped cats with white socks, and everything in between

Basic Care

Feeding

• An adult cat should be fed one large or two, or three smaller meals each day.
• Kittens from 6 to 12 weeks must eat four times a day.
• Kittens from three to six months need to be fed three times a day. You can either feed specific meals, throw away leftover canned food after 30 minutes, or keep dry food available. We recommend a high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat food; avoid generic brands. You will need to provide fresh, clean water at all times and wash and refill water bowls daily.

Although cat owners of old were told to give their pets a saucer of milk, cats do not easily digest cow's milk, which can cause diarrhea in kittens and cats. Treats are yummy for cats but don't go overboard. Most packaged treats contain lots of sugar and fat, which can pack on pounds. Some cats like fresh fruits and vegetables, like broccoli, corn, or cantaloupe. You can offer these once in a while.

If your kitten is refusing food or isn't eating enough, try soaking her kitten food in warm water. Gradually mix with her regular food. If that doesn't work, kittens can be fed human baby food for a short time. Use turkey or chicken baby food made for children six months and older.

Grooming

Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, but you should brush or comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat's coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding, and reduces the incidence of hairballs.

Handling

To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.

Housing

Your pet should have her own clean, dry place to sleep and rest in your home. Line your cat's bed with a soft, warm blanket or towel. Be sure to wash the bedding often. Please keep your cat indoors. Cats allowed outdoors can contract diseases, get ticks or parasites, become lost or hit by a car, or fight with other free-roaming cats and dogs. Also, cats may prey on native wildlife.

Identification

If allowed outdoors (again, we caution against it!), your cat must wear a safety collar and a license tag. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. And if your pet is indoors only, a license tag or an implanted microchip can help insure that your cat is returned if they become lost.

Litter Box

All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a quiet, accessible location. A bathroom or utility room is suitable for your cat's box. In a multi-level home, one box per floor is recommended. Avoid moving the box unless absolutely necessary. Then do so slowly, a few inches a day. Keep in mind that cats won't use a messy, smelly litter box, so scoop solid wastes out of the box at least once a day. Dump everything, wash with a mild detergent and refill at least once a week; you can do this less frequently if using clumping litter. Don't use ammonia, deodorants, or scents, especially lemon, when cleaning the litter box.