Are you a cat owner? Cats are truly incredible creatures. Cats need a lot of care and love. Luckily, you can provide everything your cat will need. This article will discuss some great cat care ideas.
A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. This helps make sure your vet knows your cat’s history.
Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.
If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. 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 small as a rice grain and have all of your important 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.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Cats should be handled more gently since their bones are more fragile than those of dogs.
Give your cat plenty of love and affection. Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back. They are social creates which need reassurance. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.
Create a little tablecloth for your cat. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This can lead to a big clean-up. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.
Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Feed cats food that’s low in magnesium. This means you should pay attention to labels on food. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.
You should not train your cat to use a litter box. This will be something that the cat does on its own and it usually is not learned fro another. Certain techniques, such as rubbing the paws of your cat in the litter could actual traumatize your cat.
Create a tablecloth for the feline. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. It’s easier to clean up this food by purchasing a placement and inserting it under your cat’s food bowl, or you could simply cut some fabric and make it into a tablecloth so you can easily pick up the food and throw it away.
You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. Unless you have time to dedicate to cleaning up their fur, don’t get long haired cats. There will be hairball issues as well.
Try not to let your cat go outside. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.
Does it seem like your cat’s hairs are everywhere you look? Cats can shed quite a bit; therefore, it’s important that you maintain proper grooming habits by brushing them often. If your cat sheds a lot, brush it a lot. This will make your cat’s coat nice and smooth.
Brush your cat 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. Also, it helps manage loose hair. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.
Litter Box
Don’t scrimp when it comes to your pet’s food. Check out the ingredients, and make sure it includes protein, such as meat, as the first item in the list. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. Cats in the wild are meat eaters, and domestic cats need meat to ensure optimum health.
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won’t smell it. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. If you keep the litter box on a cold cement floor, put a mat or rug down underneath it.
Your cat should be given food from a can. Food that is dry is cheaper but canned food is better for your cat’s health. Canned food generally provides more nutrients, protein and fat as well as liquids. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Speak with your vet, however generally speaking, canned cat food is better for your cat.
Dogs will often wag their tails to show their happiness or excitement. When a cat wags its tail, it means something very different. When a cat wags its tail, it is usually due to conflict and a potential decision of fight or flee. When you hold your cat and he begins to wag his tail, put him down!
Keep a breakaway collar and tag on your cat. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. Even the tamest indoors cat can be tempted by the possibilities presented by an open door or window. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This is crucial if your cat requires special medical attention.
Don’t ever declaw cats that go outdoors. The cat will be unable to defend itself against other cats or animals, risking injury or even death. Indoor cats can be declawed, though. Even then, you should only have the front claws removed. There is no need to remove the back claws since the cat does not use them when clawing furniture or fabric.
Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. After the initial period though, they should start to settle and begin to get along like old friends.
Panting is something that you may encounter with your cat. Dogs love to pant. Panting can mean your cat is anxious or overheated, but it may also be something very serious. Take the cat to a veterinarian, especially if they’ve experienced previous breathing problems.
It’s important that cats get play time. No matter what age, play is common among cats and other animals. A cats energy might fade over time, but that does not mean that it no longer likes to play. Make sure you play with your cat at least once a day.
If your schedule has changed recently, leaving your cat alone for long periods of time, you may find that your cat will seem lonely or lethargic. If this is proving to be a problem, consider getting another cat to keep them company while you’re gone.
Keep your eyes open for any signs of panting in your cat. Panting is completely normal in dogs. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. Do not hesitate to contact a vet, particularly if there has been a history of respiratory problems.
Your beloved cat is someone that you wish to take proper care of. After reading this article, you should know more about caring for a cat. Make the most of the tips here to keep your cat happy and healthy. The more you love your cat, the better.
If your cat gets a lot of hairballs, the following tips should be useful. Add one teaspoon of pumpkin to your cat’s food. A teaspoon of tuna water mixed with pumpkin can also work. Some cat foods include hairball fighting elements, such as fiber, that may be useful.