The Best Methods For Keeping Your Cat Content
There’s nothing quite like the company of a cat, but only if you are a responsible pet owner. From taking them to the vet to feeding them, it can all add up. Check out the tips provided below to gain a little insight on being a responsible cat owner.
Keep drape cords away from cats. Do not let your cat play with these. If the cords are in loops and the cat jumps into them or plays with them, they could possibly get them caught around their neck. This could kill them. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.
If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.
You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.
It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.
Cats are partially nocturnal. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. They should stay away from you at night and then they will not be able to jump on your feet.
Cats can really scratch up your home. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. Encourage them to scratch that instead. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.
Keep your cat away from boredom. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. Sadly, this is overlooked by many cat owners. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. Give them a cat tree to play with.
You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can often save up to 50 percent by shopping online.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. However, if it has a lot of hair, hairballs can occur. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.
While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. Tell them how to be gentle. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. The bones of a cat are weaker than a dogs, therefore, they should be handled with care.
Look online for cat medicine. Sometimes, you may need the medicine immediately though. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.
Create a little tablecloth for your cat. A lot of time cats will take their food from their bowls to eat it on the food bowl’s side. This can lead to a big clean-up. Use a placemat under your cat’s bowl or cut some fabric to create a small tablecloth. Shake the placemat or cloth over the garbage regularly.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. Try locating your cat’s food in an area where the dog cannot go. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your kids know where the cat can go. If you want your cat to stay indoors, then the children must understand the seriousness of never letting it out. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.
Cats enjoy high places. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. You can have a cat tree or even a strong wall shelf. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.
Do not discipline your cat if it makes a mess outside its litter box. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. If your punish your car, he or she is just going to become scared of you.
Although your cat’s old scratching post may look very worn out, you shouldn’t throw it away. This is the condition that cats like the most. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.
Purchase good quality food for your cat. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Cats in the wild are meat eaters, and domestic cats need meat to ensure optimum health.
Splurge on your cat’s food. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying. Ensure that an animal protein source, including fish, chicken, or beef, is the main ingredient. Steer clear of food made primarily of corn and fillers. Cats are naturally carnivorous. If you want to keep them healthy and happy, you need to feed them plenty of animal protein.
Drinking Fountain
If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.
You need to provide your cat with a drinking fountain. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Streaming water is your best bet. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.
Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. Your first instinct may be to hide it away out of sight and out of smelling range. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. Cats are quite finicky, so it is important to make their bathroom environment appealing them them or risk messes throughout the house. If your litter box is on a cold surface, place a rug or mater underneath it.
Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. If your cat is a big shedder, you definitely want to brush him often. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.
Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes. Allowing your cat to eat even a few bites may cause serious illness or even death. Milk can also upset your cats’ stomach.
Litter Box
Cats have a heightened sense of smell, and they can detect environmental changes easily. This may cause issues if they have a new bed, scratching post, or food dish. Don’t get frustrated if they don’t like these items right away. As your cat starts to smell new things in the home, it will get into them sooner or later.
Make sure you consider where you are going to place the cat’s litter box. Many people want it in an out of the way spot. However, the litter box must be kept in a location that is easily accessible for your pet. Your cat will use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet place and away from smells your cat does not enjoy. If you keep the litter box on a cold cement floor, put a mat or rug down underneath it.
Watch out for panting. Panting is quite normal for dogs. If a cat is panting, it might indicate simple anxiety or overheating. On the other hand, it may a symptom of a more serious health problem. Talk to a vet right away when panting persists.
If you have a female cat that is in the process of giving birth, make sure you provide her a spacious area. Giving birth to all the kittens can take hours, so you shouldn’t expect things to be over and done with quickly. You should take your cat to the vet if deliveries lasts for more than five or six hours.
Use sticky tape on your furniture. If they scratch the upholstery up, place some tape on it to keep them from doing it. There is specific tape for this purpose. Taping your furniture can save you money and teach your cat not to scratch the material.
It can be quite expensive to properly care for your beloved cat. There are a lot of responsibilities that you will have. You should apply the tips you just read, and do your best to be a responsible cat owner.
Don’t let parasites like fleas and ticks attach themselves to your pet. Always use treatments to deter them. There are many different types of flea and tick medications that work really well. These medicines help to keep parasites off of your cat. Choose a cat-specific brand to ensure their safety.
