Simple-to-understand Info About Cats That You Can Use
Cats are fantastic pets, but there are certain things you need to know to care for them in the best way possible. As the owner of a cat, you have the responsibility of making sure your cat has everything it needs to enjoy life. This piece is full of terrific guidance.
Keep your drape cords away from your cats. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. To prevent this from happening, keep any drape cords pinned away from any eyes.
If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help. Adoption fees often include things like spaying or neutering them, shots or other vet care. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.
If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Your cat needs to be groomed properly. They need to be brushed every day. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. This will also reduce things like shedding and hairballs because it keeps them from having extra hair. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.
Cats can really scratch up your home. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. They can scratch the post instead. It may take some time, but will be worth the effort and expense.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Give your cat foods that are low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. Because of this, you should make the place that your cat food is in higher up so that the dog cannot reach it. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
Make sure your cat gets lots of love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.
Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.
You can sometimes find better prices for cat medication online than getting it from your veterinarian. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.
Be sure to brush or comb your cat’s fur on a regular basis. This helps to stimulate blood flow and circulation, and it will also help to evenly distribute the natural oil your cat’s fur has. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.
Cat Owners
If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. Punishing your cat may cause him to become afraid of you or their litter box.
If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. You may try to handle it yourself, but you might need input from other cat owners. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. The drinking fountain will look more inviting than a water bowl. You may have noticed that a dripping sink faucet quickly attracts their attention. A fountain will allow your cat to have the happiness of drinking from running water.
Brush your cat at regular times. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. This can reduce hairballs which can be harmful to a cat and build up in their stomachs.
It’s important for your cat to get plenty of playtime. Playing is an activity that is very popular with mammals of any age, and this includes cats and people. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Spend some time enjoying your cat.
Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. You may have noticed that a dripping sink faucet quickly attracts their attention. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
If the cat stops using their litter box all of a sudden, keep an eye on this. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. 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. If this happens, you are advised to take your cat to the vet.
Cat Sheds
Confine a sanitary area of the house for your cat to give birth. The birth will take place over the span of several hours. Bring your cat to her vet immediately if six hours have passed without all the kittens coming out.
Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? When a cat sheds a lot, brushing is very important. How often and how much your cat sheds can give you a good idea of how often he need to be brushed. It’s also a great aid to keeping the cat’s coat as pristine as possible.
When a dog wags it’s tail, it’s telling you that it is excited or happy. Cats wag their tails, but definitely not for the same reason. For cats, tail-wagging usually indicates some type of conflict or that he is deciding whether or not to attack or flee from a situation. If you notice you cat begin to wag his tail when you are holding him, put him down to be sure you are not scratched or swatted.
Take notice if and when your cat ever stops conducting their business in their litter box. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. Issues like a kidney infection are often behind such behaviors. Consult with your veterinarian when your cat refuses to use its litter box.
Some foods are not permissible to serve to your cat. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes. If your cat eats these, it may cause him to get really sick or even worse. Dairy, including milk, is also not a good thing to give your cat.
When your cat is close to giving birth, provide a spacious area for her. It can take as much as about 4 hours for all the kittens to be born after labor starts. Bring your cat to her vet immediately if six hours have passed without all the kittens coming out.
It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. Cats who live indoors live longer and are healthier than outdoor cats. You can exercise your cat by playing with it.
Cats make great pets, but you must care for them properly. Use what you learned here for a happy and healthy cat. As long as you put this knowledge to you, your cat will love you every day.
If you own a declawed cat, do not let it outdoors. Your cat cannot defend itself, rendering it helpless against other animals. Declaw your cat if you plan on always having it inside. Only take out the front claws. Don’t have the back claws removed, since cats don’t use them to scratch up your house.
