Cats are one of the most popular and best loved pets in the world. Those new to cat ownership or just interested in cat care should read the following tips. These tips are helpful for all cat owners who want to live a happy life with their cat.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Do your best to keep the same vet for your pet’s entire life. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. This can keep your cat alive.
To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat’s bedding. When the tile cools down, change it out for a fresh, warm one.
Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
You have to place a litter box correctly. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. Additionally, don’t make the mistake of putting it in a poorly-ventilated area, or the smell will become overpowering. Both you and your cat will be happier.
If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.
When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Check out the box instead and see if it has been neglected; this is often a cause of accidents. If your punish your car, he or she is just going to become scared of you.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. While punishment is a good strategy to train dogs, it is not adapted to cats. Encouragement is a better way to get your cats to perform. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. This makes transporting much easier.
Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.
Keep a collar with ID on your cat. This is even true for indoor cats. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian’s information as well. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.
A long-haired cat comes with a great deal of extra care. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.
Litter Box
Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. If your cat refuses to use its litter box, there may be an underlying health concern. If your cat is not using the litter, kidney or bladder problems and infections may be the problem. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.
Choosing a cat as your pet is wonderful. The can offer comfort and stress relief. There are, however, certain things you need to do to make sure your cat lives a healthy life. Following the guidelines you’ve just read will allow you to improve the quality and quantity of your cat’s years.
