When it comes to pets, there is no animal like a cat. Their independence and intelligence can create such a fun-filled house pet experience. As a cat owner, you need to be responsible and make sure your cat is well-taken care of. Read on for a ton of helpful tips on caring for your cat, and use what you will learn to provide the best home for your feline friend.
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.
Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Make sure that the cords are completely out of sight.
Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can. Loose cords can be bundled and tucked inside old paper towel rolls. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.
Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. Your veterinarian needs to know about your pet’s history, and your cat will feel more comfortable if you always take her to the same vet.
Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.
It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.
Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. Be very careful with the flea products you use. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.
Don’t allow your cat become bored. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Give them toys and things to do. If your cats are kept inside, set up a carpet lined scratching pad or post. There are many climbing structures that can be purchased or made for cats who enjoy heights.
It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.
Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. They give us love, and we need to return it to them. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.
Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.
Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn’t going to enjoy the vet bill. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Go over the label carefully. Avoid fish products.
Cats love to be clean. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.
If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to. The added benefit is that you will prevent fights over the other animals food and water when one of them runs out.
If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. They don’t want to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. Keep the music turned down or off when taking your cat on a trip.
Cats have a love affair with heights. To keep your cat happy, offer him a spot of his own up high where he can survey his kingdom. You can give your cat on a shelf to accomplish this. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.
You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Cats make good pets if you take your time when you are learning about them. Study the tips you learned here. Use what you’ve learned to enjoy your time with your cat.
While a torn up scratching post might look unattractive, do not get rid of it. The cats loves it the most in this condition. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.