Process Analysis Essay

            There are many reasons that people get cats, but one that is frequently included in the bunch is the ease and convenience of cats.  Cats do require less maintenance than most other pets, but they are not maintenance free like it seems some people believe.  There are many different things that people forget or don’t even realize that are very important to not only the physical needs of the cat but also the emotional needs as well.  There are several things you can do every day to help extend and expand the life of your cat.

            First, is the same way that most of us begin our morning; it starts with food and water.  Obviously just like with people the quality and the quantity of food given to the cat is very important.  In recent months the media and pet food stores have tried to raise awareness of the importance of a balanced and substitute free diet.  So it is important to give them a quality cat food portioned to the size and weight of your cat, most often specified on the bag.  Cats are also very susceptible to urinary infections which in most cases ends in a very expensive trip to the vet, and in some cases can lead to major infections and death.  The easiest and most effective way to combat that is lots of fresh water.  Cats like moving water, and most vets will encourage the use of a pet water fountain to encourage them to drink plenty and not just enough, like they might do with a bowl.

            The second thing that you can do is to help your cat maintain its hygiene.  Most people think that since their cat is always cleaning itself that the cat is clean and doesn’t need much else.  This assumption is not always correct, cats do a very good job cleaning themselves, but they need some help with other things.  The first thing neglected with not only cats but most pets is brushing there teeth. Proper dental hygiene is just as important to animals as it is for people.  Also, you should trim the nails of the cats.  Although this may seem like a dangerous mission, it is very important.  Nails that are not trimmed can get extremely sharp and be dangerous to the cat or other cats around them, and also to their owners and their processions.  One other thing that people forget, is to brush your cat regularly this will help promote healthy skin growth and also prevent hairballs.

            Another thing that a cat needs is stimulation.  Lots of people get a cat, because they are much easier to leave during the day if you work long hours.  This is a definite advantage to cats, and is very possible with the proper accommodations.  Some cats behavioral experts say that you need to create different “play stations” around your house.  If you have a cat you notice when they play it involves lots of running, darting, and jumping. The spots idea uses this so they can dart form place to place.  Having different spots for them to go to makes it more fun for them and also promotes more movement and exercise. 

            Since most cats spend most of their lives inside it is important to be conscious of these things to help promote the most balanced life possible for your cat. A healthy cat makes a happy cat, and that is what we all want.  Cats are more sensitive then some people think, but with some easy daily steps you can make that all possible.