How to care for a cat?

Question

Okay, so I need to get a cat to keep the mice down on my property. I want to start with a kitten, but it has to stay outdoors. No pets inside the house. Where I live, we have very cold winters, (I live in northern US), and nice summers. What do I need, to make sure that the cat has everything it needs. I don't have a lot of money so I need the basic things that a cat would like. Can you recommend food, bedding etc. as well as basic cat care. What do I need, how do I take care of a cat etc? Also, I want to make a lot of the things at home, like toys, scratching posts, and even a shelter. Can you post videos and/or articles on how to make your own cat items? All info, is welcome. Thank you!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

You really need to start with a barn cat. Kittens are taught by their mothers to hunt, and unless the kitten has been taught, a mouse is simply a moving toy that may or may not be caught and killed. And I really wouldn't start with a kitten. You want an experienced hunter.

So a SPCA shelter is often not the place to start, although they may know of cats that need homes but cannot be indoor cats since they are too feral.

If the cat is going to be outdoors only, then things like Frontline flea protection will be useful, and the normal vaccinations that are required, especially rabies if required by law.

A good quality food, which has meat as the first ingredient, and water. For a shelter, something that will keep the cat dry.

For shelters when the weather turns cold, they are relatively easy and I am providing a link to various types. Straw is important, since a blanket can get wet and never get dry.

The cat will use trees for scratching posts. And they may chase things which is like having toys.

Source(s):

http://www.spayandstay.org/wintershelter…

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thank You so much! You are awesome!

Answer 2

Maybe a dog house for winter filled with a bunch of blankets so it can stay warm. Simply Nourish kitten food frm PetSmart, and ofc water. FRONTLINE and a bunch of love. And if its really really FREEZING for winter you need to bring it inside. But yeah if you're worried about it pottying inside they catch on VERY quickly, all you'd need is a litter box.

Answer 3

Feed it, clean its litter box. Give it water. &pay attention to it.

Answer 4

LOVE

Answer 5

clen the box, love our kitty,.feed it twice a day