Multple Tips For Every Good Cat Owner
A lot of new cat owners are not sure about what they should expect. You should not adopt a cat until you are better prepared. Sometimes problems will arise no matter what you do. The best solution is to prepare yourself with tips like these and then expect the unexpected!
Ensure your cat remains groomed. A cat’s fur must be brushed or combed on a regular basis. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. A spayed cat is a safe cat.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.
Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Both you and your cat will be happier.
Cats will often devote most of their time to grooming. Long hair encourages hairballs. One way to alleviate this condition in your cat is by feeding him special food. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. Cats, just like people, want to feel like a loved part of a family. Socialization is important to them. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.
Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
Pay attention and try to figure out what is causing your cat to meow. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. Understand your cat’s preferences, and you’ll be that much better off.
Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.
If you’re adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.
Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. You may try to handle it yourself, but you might need input from other cat owners. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
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. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. Take the cat to the vet if it stops using the litter-box and let the vet diagnose the problem.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.
Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunities to play. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. Your old cat will not play as much but will still appreciate the excitement. Therefore, be sure you set some time for playing with your cat.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Streams of water will attract your cat. You may have noticed that a dripping sink faucet quickly attracts their attention. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.
Aired Cats
A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. The tag should have your phone number on it. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.
Prior to adopting any long-haired cat, make sure you understand the extra work involved. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.
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. If your cat eats these things then it can become ill or even die. Milk could also lead to an upset stomach if the cat drinks it.
Pay attention if your cat won’t use their litter box. Your cat might have a hard time using the litter box because of a health condition. A variety of infections and kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the box when they suddenly associate it with pain due to their medical condition. Call the vet if your cat refuses to use the litter box.
Chemicals containing phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. This chemical is often found in cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. The smell of the chemical isn’t pleasant for your cat and prolonged exposure may cause liver problems.
If you have a female cat that is in the process of giving birth, make sure you provide her a spacious area. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If your cat has still not given birth to all her kittens after six hours, get her to a vet right away.
Don’t ever give your cat medicine created for humans. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. You could unintentionally kill your beloved pet if you use medications designed for humans.
If your cat is refusing to use his litter box, you should try putting it in a different location. Cat’s sometimes just don’t like the location you’ve picked for the box. Great suggestions include your basement and laundry room.
There are many dangers, such as fleas, rabies or fungus, that you should consider before you let your cat outside. While it is possible to be exposed to certain things in the house, the cat is less likely to come into contact with them if he doesn’t go outside.
Give your cat a collar that features your contact information. Even house cats run the risk of getting loose. Don’t take any chances; make sure your pet has the proper identification so he is returned to you.
You will notice that veterinarian bills cost a lot over time. You can save yourself some money by ordering your cats medications online. Many places will deliver the goods to your doorstep. This can be great for monthly medications and flea treatments.
Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. These foods include grapes, onions green tomatoes and garlic. These items can make your cat very ill. Milk can also end up giving your cat an upset stomach.
Put a collar with tags on your cat at all times. Cats are intelligent and try to leave if they’re given the chance. If your cat is wearing the appropriate collar with tags, you’ll have a good change of finding it.
If possible, make sure your cat is always indoors. Studies have proven that cats who live most of their life indoors live longer than outdoor cats. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.
Although the holidays may seem like the perfect time to give your child a cat as a present, it is much too hectic a time to give a new cat the attention he deserves. Get a pet that truly suits your family by bringing your children along for the selection process.
These tips should be useful whether you have a Siamese kitten or an old Bengal. Though certain aspects of having a cat remain the same, all cats differ, so what applies to one may not apply to another. More important than anything else is to enjoy every precious moment with you new little kitten.
Be wary of your cat around your Christmas tree come the holiday season. It may see that tree and climb it. That can be a big problem. To help prevent this from occurring, ensure your cat stays away from Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree. Most importantly, ensure that any loose ornaments or tinsel are not lying on the floor because your cat may attempt to eat these things, causing digestive problems.
