Would you save the life of an animal if you could? So many cats could use a great home. All that is needed is for someone to adopt them and offer proper care. These things can be learned about within this article.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. This could help save your cat if it gets caught in a tight spot.
Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Try to stick with one vet during the life of your pet. They will learn your cat’s history best.
Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important 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.
Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.
Don’t use dog portions for your cat. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. Flea products especially. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.
A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this. Tuck loose cords into old toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor. Sometimes, this results in food outside the bowl that you have to clean up. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.
It’s not easy to keep cats off counters. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.
Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. A child of that age doesn’t realize when they are being too rough with a pet. Find your child’s age of maturity when it comes to handling pets.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Cats need to exercise and play. The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.
Cats like to be up high. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. Put a blanket on it so they can rest peacefully.
Do all you can to figure out what’s causing your cat to meow. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. The meows may indicate hunger, happiness, or a desire to go exploring. Pay attention to her cues, and you can understand your cat that much more.
Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s actually incorrect to rub a cat’s paw in the litter.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. This can compromise your cat’s safety. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. They can get in a fight or be hit by a car. When your cats go outside, keep an eye out to make sure they do not wander too far away.
You should install a small drinking fountain for your cat. Cats out in the wild like to drink from running water, so they would like that at home too. Cats react better to a moving water stream. You may have noticed that a dripping sink faucet quickly attracts their attention. A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.
Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. They may seem like they’re fighting all the time. Eventually they are going to get used to each other, and they may even end up becoming best friends.
Use a brush on your cat regularly. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. Additionally, brushing helps to expedite hair shedding. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.
Play is essential to your cat’s life. Really play is something that all mammals share, no matter the age. Even older cats love a little play, just not as rough. Make sure you and your cat are thoroughly enjoying each other.
Feed your cat quality cat food. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Cats in the wild are meat eaters, and domestic cats need meat to ensure optimum health.
Litter Box
You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. This is very important for indoor cats. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. The tag should have your name and address and also your vet’s. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.
Has your cat stopped using its litter box? If so, consider moving the box into another location. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. A couple of good places to put your cat box are your basement and laundry room.
When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. With enough time to acclimate themselves to the new arrangement, though, virtually any two cats will become willing, friendly, and perhaps even inseparable companions.
If your cat has frequent hairballs, and extra brushing hasn’t helped, here are some other tips that may help. Mix about a teaspoon full of pumpkin into your cats’ food. You can also mix one teaspoon of tuna water in with the pumpkin. Special foods are available to help treat hairballs.
Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. 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. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.
Veterinarian visits are expensive, though often necessary. If you are looking to save money, buy your medications from reputable sites on the web. There are a number of businesses that will ship the medication right to you. This can be convenient and cheap if your cat has to take medications regularly like once a month.
Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. Kids need shots, and so do cats. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.
Do not allow your pet to go without a tag and collar. If it ever finds a way outside, you will be happy you did. By requiring your pet to wear a tag on the collar, you can be more confident that you will be reunited if the cat escapes.
Cats are really good at smelling, and that means they’re good at figuring out if something in their environment has changed. When you give them a new toy, bed, food or scratching post, this can be an issue. Don’t fret if you can’t get kitty to use a new item right away. As the smell of your home gets onto the items, they’ll warm up to them.
Many people want their cat to be groomed and clean, so they bathe them. However, bathing your cat isn’t usually necessary. Cats groom themselves everyday; the barbed tongues they have allow them to get dirt off their fur. Cats are very particular about their appearance!
Be aware of any panting. Panting is dogs is normal. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.
At first, your cat may not like another animal in the home. Initially, it’s a good idea to put the new animal in a separate room. This will help the cat get used to the smell of the new animal. Then gradually introduce the new pet to the cat. Take it slow so your cat does not get upset.
Did you obtain cat when you did not have a job and you are now returning to work? If so, then your cat is very likely to get bored and lonely. One tried-and-true way to keep a cat from getting lonely is to pair it up with another cat.
Being a cat owner should bring you pride. You’ve given it a safe home in which it is loved. You new little friend will be there for you for the rest of their lives. Give your time and affection to your cat, and it is almost certain that you will receive the same in return.
Do a safety check to make sure there are no places where your cat could potentially get trapped. Cats are able to squeeze into tiny gaps. Be especially careful with kittens. Keep this in mind when bringing new cats into your home. You will need to repair or at least cover up any of the bigger holes you find.