Top Tips And Practical Advice Every Cat Owner Should Hear
Although independent, cats still require plenty of care from their owners. Cats aren’t the same as other pets so they need to be taken care of differently. You have to be sure that you’re meeting their needs so they’re more healthy. Many other tips like this one lie below, so read on.
If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!
Drape Cords
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. This can keep your cat alive.
Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. You should not allow your cat to play with drape cords since they could end up with the cord wrapped around their neck. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. To stop this from happening, pin your drapes and hide them out of sight.
Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. 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 this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. Change every few hours if you like.
Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. This leads to a cleaner cat. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.
Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. Make vet appointments immediately if your cat has a medical condition or has become injured.
Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat’s life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Cats need stimulation. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. Boredom can beget illness. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
Location is key when placing a litter box. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Not only will your cat appreciate it but you will too.
Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.
Find cat medicine online if you want to get discounts. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. For more routine situations, saving 50% by buying online is quite possible.
Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. Any loose cords should be bundled up and placed in things like paper towel rolls. Electronic items with thin, tempting cords should always be put away when not in use.
Don’t let your cat go outside. This isn’t safe for your cat. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. If your cat must be an outdoor cat, limit it to your own backyard.
You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Cats need play and exercise. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
Use care if you have kids and a cat. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. Their immaturity prevents them from understanding how easily they could hurt the kitten. As a kid ages, they can show maturity with handling a little pet.
A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Cat’s will often remove food from their bowl to eat it. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.
If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. You can often get great advice from friends and family. The Internet has many cat forums where you can ask your questions, or simply speak with your vet.
When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. If you want your cat to stay indoors, then the children must understand the seriousness of never letting it out. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.
Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. They need positive reinforcement. Place a blanket or favorite toy inside the carrier to make your cat more acclimated to the carrier. This will teach your cat that the carrier is a good thing. This makes transporting much easier.
Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. Their immaturity prevents them from understanding how easily they could hurt the kitten. When children get a little older, they develop the skills needed to be around small animals.
Give your cat a wide array of foods in order to prevent pickiness. Keeping the same kind of food around most of the time makes it to where they only want that specific food.
Providing your cat with good grooming will make it shine. In order to ensure a healthy looking cat, you’ll have to give it the grooming that it needs. Whatever grooming you do will be appreciate by the cat. Use this article to help take care of your cat efficiently.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. The moist food gives your cat water, and it usually has more protein and fat in it. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.
