5 Ways to Get Along with Your Cat

Getting a new kitten isn't all fun and catnip. There are certain habits each pet parent must be willing to adopt so that the little balls of fur may thrive in their new environments.

To get started, here are five pitfalls all cat owners should avoid.

1. Making her hangry
Not all cats eat the same amount of food. Catster explained that you should factor your feline's age, weight, activity and whether she's pregnant or nursing into her diet decisions.

2. Leaving the litter box in disarray
Don't wait until your kitchen is overwhelmed by a pungent aroma to tidy up. According to Animal Planet, you should keep your cat's bathroom as clean as your own toilet.

3. Skimping on the scratching post
Even though you might be on a tight budget, you should still try your best to afford a scratching post and other toys for your feline. Not investing in one can cause her to resort to furniture as a place to sharpen her claws.

4. Forgetting flea baths
Cats are so low maintenance that it can be easy to forget to take care of them. Your cat will surely be miserable if you don't give her regular flea baths or a Hartz® flea and tick treatment.

5. Ignoring if your cat is sick
Felines' natural aloofness make it tough to distinguish personality from illness symptoms. Be sure to take your cat to the vet regularly and pay attention to any change in behavior.

This content is provided by the pet wellness experts at Hartz. We offer complete flea and tick protection for your pet, home and yard.