Any time you have a new pet, you are likely to face a variety of unique challenges. These challenges can also arise after many years with a cat. You should not adopt a cat until you are better prepared. Some problems come even with total preparation. But to lessen the issues early on, use the advice shared here!
If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.
If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.
Cats like sneaking into small spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.
Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.
If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
Cat medications can be bought affordable online. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.
Flea Products
If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. This can be very unsafe for your cat. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.
Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats don’t like dog products. Flea products are a great example of this. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. Make sure to separate your cat from your dog after spraying.
Cats do not need to be taught how they should use the cat litter box. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.
Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.
Don’t get rid of an old scratching post. It may not look as nice, but cats love a scratching post with some wear and tear. By removing the old item and replacing it with a new one, your cat may try to find another item to scratch. This could end up being furniture.
Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. The savings can amount to almost 50 percent on regularly prescribed medications.
Long-haired cats require more care than their short-haired comrades. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.
Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? Cats are known for shedding, so good grooming habits are a must. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. This keeps the coat from matting, too.
Cats enjoy being high up. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Putting a soft cat bed on the shelf can help to add a little comfort.
If you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, you’ll want to contact your vet. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. Kidney, bladder and infection issues can make this occur. If this happens, you are advised to take your cat to the vet.
Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. Often this problem is quickly and inexpensively cured with a common antibiotic.
If you’re dealing with a cat that won’t use the litter box, you should place it somewhere else. Cat’s sometimes just don’t like the location you’ve picked for the box. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.
Litter Box
If you are planning to go back to work after being home with your cat all the time, it’s possible he may get quite lonely there without you. To improve your cat’s mood, consider adopting a second cat. They can then keep each other company while you are absent.
Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. Abandoning proper litter box habits is often a warning sign of serious health problems in cats. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
You should reconsider a choice of providing table scraps to your cat. The way human food is cooked and the ingredients involved makes for it not being a good choice for your cat. You can put a small amount of egg, or cooked beef or chicken on a spoon as a treat. This is not necessary, though. If you feed them the right food appropriate to their size and age, they need nothing else.
Certain foods may be fine for you to eat daily, but not for your cat. These include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. Your cat can get very sick from eating these foods. In addition, milk can also upset your cat’s stomach.
You will notice that veterinarian bills cost a lot over time. You can save money on medications by ordering them online. Some companies will express ship to your door. Buying frequently-used medicine this way can save you a lot of money.
Don’t give a cat medicine that is intended for humans. If you cat suffers from health issues, ask your vet for his recommended treatment option. Pets that have taken human medications face serious injury or worse.
Be aware that the holidays, with all the excitement and bustle, may not be the right time to present your child with the gift of a cat. Instead, it’s better to go to the shelter or pet store with your child and get them involved in choosing their new pet.
Try putting sticky tape on the furniture if your cat decides to scratch it. If they scratch the upholstery up, place some tape on it to keep them from doing it. Certain pet stores even sell this type of tape for this reason. Get your cat out of this bad habit by doing this and supplying a scratching post.
Indoor cats will be attracted to the plants that you have in the house. It can be a real issue as many are poisonous to them. It could also mean finding a few fecal surprises in your favorite plants. Sticking your plants on ledges or shelves won’t keep your cat from getting into them. A better idea is to hang any plants from the ceiling so your cat cannot get to it.
Cats can get sick, too. Your cat lives in your household so you are more aware that it is not feeling well than anyone else. It’s crucial that you have them checked by a vet. The vet will be able to make sure that they are not suffering from anything more serious.
Your cat should not be a vegetarian. Meat is very important and can help build strength for a cat. They need taurine, and that comes from meat. Ensure that your cat’s food contains the right amounts of meat and protein for his growth and good health.
Do not allow your cat to leave the house if you are concerned about them catching fleas, getting rabies or coming in contact with poisonous fungus. Even though it is possible these issues could affect indoors cats as well, they are definitely more prone to experience them if they are outside quite a bit.
A grooming session can be traumatizing for a cat. Keep in mind that you can always groom your cat a little at a time. Spend a few minutes a day to get the excess hair off your cat. Doing this will help ensure it is being properly groomed without getting frustrated.
Look around your home for holes that can make a cat become stuck. Cats can wriggle into surprisingly small spaces. Kittens are even smaller! When you bring a new cat or kitten to your home, be conscious of this hazard. Any holes that are found should be repaired.
Check your cats breath on occasion as it may be a sign of a medical issue that needs to be checked by a vet. You cat could also get his teeth cleaned professionally to make the problem go away. Brushing the cat’s teeth each day can also eliminate bad breath.
No matter how old or young your cat or where you live, the tips in the article above will help you with training your cat. These are the fundamental concepts involved with raising a small feline, but the individual circumstances in which they apply will change from one person to the next. Always remember to have fun with your new adopted kitten because that is the most important concept of them all!
Bathing your pet cat isn’t necessarily a high priority. If your cat is in need of a bath, you should get someone to help you do it. Cats often get skittish when confronted with slippery surfaces like bathtubs. Use one hand to hold your cat firmly in place. With your other hand, wash quickly.