To be healthy a cat needs good food, fresh water, exercise, grooming, vaccinations, and shelter; protection from    weather, children, and other animals.

A young kitten should have fresh, clean, canned and dry food available throughout the day. With plenty of fresh  water, of course. We feed "Waltham Growth Diet", "Iams", "Nature's Recipe", and "Nurtro Max, Natural", dry cat  foods, also "Nutro Max" canned. Good calcium sources are: cheese, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese.

An older kitten (6 - 8 months) should be fed two - three times a day. Feed regularly with Premium Foods, and read cat food labels. Adult cats of different ages and conditions need to be fed to fit their individual needs.

Do not feed your cat: Milk, raw fish, tuna alone, raw egg whites, bones, raw meat, dog food, and table scraps. Some cats are susceptible to diarrhea due to sudden changes in diet. Whenever you find that you have to change a cats diet, do it gradually. Start by feeding 3/4 regular food 1/4 new food and slowly change your cat's diet to its new food.

Some cats need hair ball medicine 1-2 times a week. I use Petromalt. Follow the directions on the label.

We use Natural 14, Darigold Livestock food, or "Premium Choice" Clumping Cat Litter.

For discipline we recommend, 1st a strong no and cat's name, 2nd clap your hands, no and cat's name. If those fail  try blowing in the cat's face or a squirt of water from a new, clean spray bottle.

Stegra Cattery kittens are used to sleeping in "kitty cups" or human beds. Be prepared to have him/her sleep with  you. They are very affectionate, like to be on shoulders, will probably follow you around asking for love and will help  with whatever you are doing.

Most of our kittens have been trained to jump from the floor to your shoulder. If you would like to continue, this is  what you do: extend your left knee forward slightly, pat your collar bone with your right hand, move your hands to  waist level with them cupped facing the middle of your body, be prepared to catch her with both hands supporting the  back quarters.

Our kittens do not know they are kitties/cats. Instead we train them to respond to a name and the word "baby".

Use cat claw scissors to trim your kitten's claws every 1 - 2 weeks to within 1/8-inch of the vein. Hold the claw  scissors parallel to the claw to help avoid splitting. Remember to give him a treat of Turkey or Chicken Baby Food  without added flavor enhancers (Heinz or Beechnut), after trimming claws and after a bath. Form a long loop with  packing tape and put on sofa arms to deter clawing of furniture.

Three common household poisons: Liquid cleaners, rat poisons, and medicine.

Common poisonous plants: Diffenbachia, Poinsettia, English Ivy, and bulbs like Daffodils, Narcissus, and Tulips.

Always check to see if your cat is in the clothes dryer, before closing the door. They love warm spots.

Four household locations with doors that are dangerous for cats: Freezers, refrigerators, cabinets, and closets.

Other indoor dangers for cats: Heaters, wood stoves, or fireplaces are dangerous if the cat sleeps too close. Electric cords will electrocute if chewed on or it may pull an object down on itself. Garbage may contain bones, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, rubber bands, and empty cans. Small objects: pin cushions, needles, and thread. Close or screen, second-story windows so cats won't fall or jump out.

Safe toys for cats: paper bags, empty wooden spools, ping pong balls, feathers, a wad of paper, cardboard tubes, and catnip toys.

Remember to have your cat in a carrier in the car to keep it from distracting the driver, causing an accident, or hurting itself.

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