Cat care mistakes to avoid after bringing a furry friend home

During the spring and summer, animal shelters all over the country are dealing with an influx of adult cats and kittens, so this is the best time of year to adopt a cat. If this is your first go-around caring for a feline, there are a few common mistakes that new pet parents make in their everyday regimen that could adversely affect your cat's health. Here are a few of the most common pitfalls that new cat parents could fall into that you can avoid during your pet's first few months in his or her new home.

1. Clean the litter box daily! While it may seem like a pain, cleaning your feline's litter box once or twice per day will help cut down on the accumulation of bacteria and encourage your cat to use it properly, reports PetLady.com. If your cat's litter isn't in tip-top shape, he or she may start to use the outside of the box, leading to a few unsightly accidents you may not want to deal with. Of course, getting rid of the smell of your cat's business is also a huge concern, so make sure you're on top of your litter box care.

2. Invest in an ID tag or microchip. Just because your cat will be spending the majority of his or her time indoors doesn't mean that you can skimp on proper identification, reports PetPlace.com. A loose window screen or a door left open for too long could spell calamity, and you may never see your cat again without the right ID tags. Make the effort to go to your local pet store to purchase an ID tag, or visit a Bideawee Animal Hospital to inquire about microchipping. If your feline ever becomes lost, you'll be happy that you made the responsible choice!

3. Monitor your cat's activity. While most people view felines as extremely independent, it's your job as a pet parent to monitor your cat for any changes in his or her behavior. Cats have an innate ability to try and hide issues that are bothering them, so it's vital that you keep a close eye out for behavioral changes like increased or decreased appetite, mood swings, frequent accidents and other developments that could be cause for concern.