Worried About Your Cat’s Health? Use These Care Tips

Cats are sophisticated animals. They are also very common household members across the world, and can be found in houses and on the busy streets of almost every major city. Learning to coexist with such animals indoors is a different story. Such intelligent, quick animals can be stubborn and need special techniques.

Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty’s favorite resting spot. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.

Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.

If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.

Cats are often nocturnal creatures. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. This will ensure they don’t pounce on you at nighttime, or wake you up in other ways.

Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.

If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.

If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. Ensure that you at least put the name of your cat and your personal phone number on this tag.

Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Teach your children how to handle a cat. Show them how to gently pick kitty up and what kinds of activities are appropriate. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.

It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. 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.

You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. Cage in an area for a cat in your backyard if they must go outside.

Adore your cat! They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Like people, cats like to socialize and need to feel like they’re an essential part of your life. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.

There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.

While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Tell them how to be gentle. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.

Brush your cat’s coat often. 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 can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.

When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.

Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. They respond better to encouragement. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. In time, the cat will head inside and be happy. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.

Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. A cat should not be left alone with a child under five years of age. They don’t know what harm they can do. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Cats react better to a moving water stream. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.

Feeding your cat different types of food helps ensure they don’t get finicky. If you feed them only one type of food, they may refuse to eat anything else. However, stick with the same brand, and just vary the flavors because cats can have stomach problems if you vary the food too much.

Is your cat shedding like a madman? Cats are known for shedding, so good grooming habits are a must. If your cat is shedding a lot, you should brush them more frequently. This keeps the coat from matting, too.

Make sure your cat is always wearing a collar with proper identification tags. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. The tag should have your phone number on it. This is also vital if your animal has health issues.

Refrain from cleaning or using chemicals in the vicinity of your cat. Lysol, Pine-Sol and many other products contain this chemical. It causes liver problems in felines.

Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.

Never give your cat a medication that was formulated for humans. If the cat is sick, you must take it to the vet. Using human medicine for your cat is harmful and can even cause their death.

Taking your cat to the vet regularly to get proper vaccinations and check-ups will ensure that your pet enjoys a long and healthy life with you. Cats need regular checkups, just like humans. You have made your cat a family member, and you have to treat your cat accordingly.

Panting is a bad symptom. Panting is completely normal in dogs. While panting can be a sign that your cat is overheated or anxious, it can also be a sign of something much more serious. Be sure to call your vet, particularly if your pet has suffered from respiratory issues.

By applying the tips that you have read, you’ll be outsmarting your cat before you know it. Soon, they will learn where to go and where to stay away from. Though they aren’t as easily trained and programmed as a dog is, most cats are actually well-trained, well-mannered pets that behave their owners.

Dry food is great for cats. Wet food is appropriate for young kittens because they have still-developing teeth which are small and delicate. Once they grow up though, dry, harder food will strengthen their teeth and keep them clean. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.