Give Your Cat Great Care With This Advice.
There are so many reasons to enjoy having a cat. You must put a lot of work into owning a cat. You need to know what you’re getting into. Here you’ll see exactly what those are. Keep on reading for excellent information on caring for your pet.
You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.
If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. 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.
You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.
Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. Passing these crystals is painful and the vet bill to have this corrected is expensive. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.
Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.
If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. Therefore, keep your music or other sounds at an acceptable level.
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. It’s also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn’t escape. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.
You cat will not be likely to be a finicky eater if you vary the type of food you are feeding from time to time. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.
Cats generally will meow for a reason. If you have spent any significant amount of time around your cat, you will quickly find you can figure out what he wants when he cries. Maybe she wants to go out, or maybe she wants to eat. Understand your cat’s preferences, and you’ll be that much better off.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Your cat will prefer drinking from running water since this is a natural behavior. The drinking fountain will look more inviting than a water bowl. Cats will even drink from the tap if they can! A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.
Cats enjoy being high up. Make sure your cat has a safe place to play. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
If possible, always choose canned cat food. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. As a cat ages, it has a harder time chewing. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.
If possible, always choose canned cat food. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. They have more water, protein and fat too. This will make it easier for your older cats to digest. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.
If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. Kidney or bladder infections may be the reason. Talk to the vet when your cat goes to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.
Aired Cat
If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. A cat will be more inclined to use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet and safe area in your home. Some great examples of such locations are basements, laundry rooms or any other less frequently used room in your home.
Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. While long, silky hair is beautiful on a cat, the same fur appears far less beautiful covering your floor, dark clothing, and furniture. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Be prepared to deal with hairballs, which are a problem for long-haired cats.
With dogs, tail wagging is a sign they’re in a good mood, or glad their owners are around. Cats may wag as well, but the meaning can be quite different. Tail-wagging in a cat usually means a conflict or that they’re deciding to flee or pounce regarding a situation. Similarly, if your cats tail wags when you hold it, it’s wise to put it down at that time.
Make sure your cat has routine check ups and vaccinations to ensure longevity and good health. Your cat needs to get some shots regularly to prevent different illnesses and parasites. Treat your cat as if it were a member of the family.
Be on the lookout for panting. Panting is normal for a dog. If your cat is panting it may be overheated or having anxiety. It may also be something that is a lot more serious than those things. Contact your vet right away, especially if they’ve had respiratory issues a while back.
Litter Box
Brushing your cat more frequently is the most common way to combat hairballs. If it doesn’t work, though, you have other options. Mix about a teaspoon full of pumpkin into your cats’ food. You might even want to try to add a teaspoon of tuna water mixed together with the pumpkin to see if that helps. Many cat foods have extra fiber or other items that solve this issue.
Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. There are a number of health issues that can lead a well-trained cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. Talk to the vet when your cat goes to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.
Cats that go outside can contract fleas and illnesses like rabies. If this is a serious concern then keep your cat indoors at all times. This is not saying indoor cats cannot be affected by some of the same things, but outdoor cats are more susceptible.
When a dog wags it’s tail, it’s telling you that it is excited or happy. Cats also exhibit this tail-wagging behavior, but the message is different. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. If you happen to be cuddling with your cat when the wagging occurs, be prepared to loosen your grip!
Treat your cat with flea medication. Monthly drops are the best way to go to protect your cat. Using these chemicals protects your pet from parasitic organisms, many of which are capable of causing serious illness. Get a brand that’s specifically for cat use to keep them safe.
A declawed cat should not be outdoors. The cat will be unable to defend itself against other cats or animals, risking injury or even death. The only place for a declawed cat is inside, with you. Even then, you should only have the front claws removed. Keep the back claws intact, since they can’t do damage to your furnishings and flooring.
Most cats enjoy eating houseplants. If the plant has poisonous elements, this can be a problem. Your cat might also decide to turn your plant pot into its litter box. Placing your plant on a shelf or ledge will not keep your cat away. It’s better to hang your plants from the ceiling away from potential perches.
If your cat has frequent hairballs, and extra brushing hasn’t helped, here are some other tips that may help. Consider mixing cat food with a single teaspoon of pumpkin. You might even want to try to add a teaspoon of tuna water mixed together with the pumpkin to see if that helps. Find a cat food with some extra fibers or another anti-hairball ingredient to get rid of this problem.
Don’t let your cat swat at other people or bite at feet. While a small kitten may not hurt someone much, an older cat could really hurt someone with this bad behavior. If you establish good habits when your cat is young, they will be a normal part of their behavior as they grow older.
As you’ve read, owning a cat can be a great benefit. That said, it brings many responsibilities, too. Take heed of the advice you’ve just been given if you’re going to bring a kitty home.
When you shop for cat food, learn which ingredients should be eaten and which should be avoided. Read cat food labels, and don’t buy anything with fillers, such as corn and undefined meat products. While these ingredients will not kill your pet, they certainly will not improve its health either. The best thing is to find foods that have protein as a primary ingredient.
