Adding a cat to your family can be quite enjoyable. It is a bad idea to get your pet first and then make plans. Lovably unpredictable cats can still come up with ways to flummox even the most well-prepared new owner, though. You should keep reading to learn more about how you can properly care for your cat.
Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Make sure that the cords are completely out of sight.
Animal Shelter
It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat’s life.
Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. Loose cords can be bundled and tucked inside old paper towel rolls. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. Doing this frequently can help them keep their coat clean. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.
A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. These days, pretty much all shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read these chips, and because they’re beneath your pet’s skin, they won’t ever get lost.
If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.
Most cats are very nocturnal. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.
Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. They give lots of affection and need some in return. Like many people, cats need to socialize with people so that they feel like they are an important part of their family’s lives. Make them feel at home.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.
Do you own a dog and cat? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. That’s why you should place your cat’s food in a place which is hard for your dog to reach. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. If you’re planning on keeping your kitty inside full time, make sure your kids know their pet shouldn’t go outdoors. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.
Watch kittens around kids. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Don’t let your cat go outside. This could be harmful and unsafe. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. It could be injured via a vehicle or another animal. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.
Unlike most humans, cats love heights. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. 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. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
You need to provide your cat with a drinking fountain. Cats like their water to move. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. Cats often like the running water more than their own bowl of water. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
Feed your cat high-quality cat food. Check out the ingredients, and make sure meat tops the list. The foods to avoid are those with a large amount of corn and low amounts of protein. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.
Feed your pet canned food. Dry food is less expensive, but canned food provides more benefits. Canned food gives your cat more protein and the water content helps with hydration. Canned food is much easier to chew for older cats. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.
Keep a breakaway collar and tag on your cat. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. Include your vet’s info as well as your own on the tags. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.
It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. This sort of behavior can be caused by urinary tract infections or other, more serious medical issues in your cat. A potentially serious illness may be able to be treated by inexpensive antibiotics.
Don’t ever let your declawed cat outdoors. Without claws, the cat cannot defend against other animals, which can lead to real issues. Indoor cats are the only ones that should be de-clawed. Only take out the front claws. Keep the back claws intact, since they can’t do damage to your furnishings and flooring.
Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. If your cat is shedding too often, you should brush it more regularly. Brushing is a good way to keep your cat’s coat from getting matted and tangled.
If you are lucky enough to have a cat that has a lot of hairballs, and brushing doesn’t seem to be helping to lessen them, then the following tips might help. Consider mixing a little pumpkin into your cat’s food. Another thing that works is a one teaspoon of the water that’s in a tuna can mixed with the pumpkin. Some cat foods even have anti-hairball benefits.
Really consider where you place the litter box. Although you may want to have the litter box hidden in a place where you won’t smell it, your cat’s needs should be before your wants. However, the litter box must be kept in a location that is easily accessible for your pet. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. For example, a rug or mat is a good way to make a litter box placed on a concrete floor more attractive to your cat.
If you got a cat during a period of joblessness and are now re-entering the workforce, you should watch out for possible attachment issues. Therefore, in order to keep your cat happy and active, you need to consider obtaining another cat.
Your feline friend should always wear a collar and tags with your name and contact information. This should be done even with an indoors cat. The animal could get out. It is important that you provide a way that they can get back home if that should happen.
Try to feed your cat dry food as much as possible. Kittens need wet food due to the size of their teeth. When the adult teeth develop, dry, hard food will help make teeth stronger. Dry and wet food can be mixed if you have a picky cat.
Be on the lookout for panting in cats. Panting is quite normal for dogs. Your cat may pant if it is anxious or overheated, but panting may also indicate a more serious problem. Be sure and make an appointment with your vet if you notice any respiratory problems with your cat.
Cats can get the same colds you do. They’re a part of your family, so you should know when they’re not feeling well. If you think something is wrong, visit the vet. That will ensure that it is a small infection, rather than a serious issue.
Cats do best on a diet high in dry food. When cats are young, they require wet food due to the fact that their teeth have not grown in yet. Hard, dry food is best for grown-up cats because it helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. Your cat might enjoy eating more if you mix dry and wet food.
Vet bills are rarely small. Keep money in your pocket by ordering your medicine online. There are several companies that deliver right to your front door. You can purchase ongoing medications for fleas or even treatments for heartworm from these websites.
Put tape on your furnishings. The tape will keep your cat from scratching your furniture and upholstery. There is tape available that is specifically designed for this. By keeping your furniture covered with tape and getting a scratching post put up, you will get your cat to scratch that instead.
There are a number of owners who think their cats must be bathed often. Fortunately, you don’t have to bathe your feline very often. The only exception is if the animal gets into something particular sticky or gooey. Cats groom themselves everyday; the barbed tongues they have allow them to get dirt off their fur. Cats tend to be obsessed with the way that they look.
Don’t be tempted to bathe your cat. Unless the cat is extremely dirty, giving a cat a bath is not recommended. Cats groom and clean themselves all throughout the day with their tongues. Cats love to look good just like anyone else!
No matter what cat you have, these tips can work to train them. There are raising concepts that are shared among cats, but there can still be some variation. Make sure you find time for fun with your cat because this is very important.
If you want to monitor your outdoor cat more closely, consider inserting a microchip into their skin. If your cat is missing, you may look online and see where they are so that you can easily get them back.