Cats are very different from other pets. Their smarts, affectionate nature and sense of independence make them terrific house pets. Caring for a cat takes a concentrated effort. Keep reading to learn more about proper cat care so that your cat will remain healthy and happy.
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If your cat is especially intent on chewing cords, keep them covered as much as possible. Any loose cords should be bundled up and placed in things like paper towel rolls. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.
Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hairballs, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. Consider placing the cat food on a location away from where the dog can reach. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.
Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. There are many online cat forums that you can visit and ask some questions. If necessary, you may need to call your veterinarian.
Do not discipline your cat if it makes a mess outside its litter box. Many times this occurs because the box wasn’t well maintained. Punishment can make your cat fearful in your presence.
Feeding them lots of different foods can lower their chances of becoming finicky eaters. 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.
Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. It’s also much softer on older teeth if your cat is getting up there in years. Can food is generally better, but consult your vet first before feeding it to your cat.
Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. This is also vital if your animal has health issues.
Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunities to play. All mammals love to play. Even a mature cat that isn’t as spry anymore it still loves to play around. Enjoy your cat every day.
When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. Cats wag their tail for a different reason. Tail wagging in a cat usually indicates a mental conflict that your cat is mulling over, such as deciding whether to flee or attack. If kitty starts wagging his tail while you’re holding him, it’s best to put him down so you don’t get scratched.
Phenol is a dangerous chemical to use around your cat. Lysol and Pine-Sol are two examples of products that contain this chemical. Not only is the smell offensive to cats, but exposing them to this chemical for prolonged periods of time can lead to problems with their liver.
Don’t give a cat human medications. If your cat needs medication, then you should take your cat to the vet. You could unintentionally kill your beloved pet if you use medications designed for humans.
Are hairballs posing a serious problem for your cat, and additional brushing does not help to reduce them? Try mixing a teaspoon of pumpkin with your cat’s food. In addition to the pumpkin, try one teaspoon of water from a can of tuna. There are cat foods that have anti-hairball components in them, like extra fiber, that can help.
Keep your cat on a diet of dry food if at all possible. When cats are young, they require wet food due to the fact that their teeth have not grown in yet. However, as their teeth grow, the hardness of dry food allows their teeth to get stronger. A picky cat might like dry and wet food mixed together.
Do not give your cat too much food, as this can result in digestive problems. It can lead to obesity, diabetes and other health related problems. Keep your cat eating healthy and consistent at all times.
Be on the lookout for any small holes in your home that you do not want your cat to crawl into. Cats can sneak into small gaps and areas. This sort of behavior is particularly common in kittens. Be especially careful about this if you’re bringing a cat home for the first time. Make sure to cover any easily accessible holes or repair them if at all possible.
You want to be sure your cat has a collar with tags on all the time. Cats are smart and will try to get out whenever they get the chance. Cats with collars and tags are much more likely to come home safe and sound if they get lost.
Cats make amazing pets for you and your family, as long as you know how to take care of them. Use these tips at your discretion. Make use of it so that you can enjoy a happy and healthy cat.
