Beautiful movements, intelligence and many different noises. These are the rewards of cat ownership. Taking care of a cat can be awful, however, so you need the right advice. This article will give you some tips on cats that can make your cat healthier and happier. Continue reading!
Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.
To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap it tightly in a towel and place it under the cat bed. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.
You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs. Flea products can be especially harmful. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). If you own electronic devices with thin cords, you should keep them out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them.
A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.
Put the litter box in an ideal location. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas. Choose an area that is well-ventilated to avoid bad smells. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.
Make sure your cat is not too bored. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. Bored cats will quickly wreck your home or become obese. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.
Cat medications can be bought affordable online. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.
If you’re taking kitty on a road trip, don’t play loud music. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. Therefore, the volume of your music should be minimized, and turn it off completely if necessary.
Try not to let your cat go outside. Your cat might not be safe outside. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.
Cats love to be high up. For a happy cat, make sure you establish a safe environment for them to scan their surroundings. If a cat tree is not in your future, providing a stable shelving unit with no small items on it will do very well. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. Because of this, you should make the place that your cat food is in higher up so that the dog cannot reach it. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.
If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. If you start them off eating the same type of food all of the time and you never change it up, this will most likely be the only food they will eat in the future.
You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s actually incorrect to rub a cat’s paw in the litter.
Don’t buy cheap cat food. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Cats are meant to eat meat, and that means that they need to have foods that are high in protein.
Litter Box
Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.
Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. Punishment can make your cat fearful in your presence.
If your cat is urinating a lot or in areas away from the litter box, they may need to see the vet. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. You can solve this problem thanks to some very affordable antibiotics.
Understand that all cats need exercise and play time. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. An older cat may not be as energetic as when it was younger, but still enjoys light play. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.
If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. Even though that nice coat of beautiful silky fur looks great, it can leave a mess on your floors, furniture and clothing. Unless you’re committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.
Now that you have read this article, you should have a few ideas you can start using in your home. By utilizing these tips, you will be able to enjoy your cat. When your cat is cared for properly, you will enjoy your time with it much more and it will be happier. Put these tips into practice and reap the benefits.
Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.