If you want a great pet, a cat fits that bill. Those new to cat ownership or just interested in cat care should read the following tips. Keep reading to deepen your knowledge about cats.
It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. This is especially true of flea products. Canine flea products can be lethal to a cat. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.
Microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Avoid letting your cat get bored. Cats need stimulation. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Cats who get bored can actually become depressed or display other undesirable behaviors. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Your cat needs love and attention. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.
Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Food with a low magnesium content will help. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Fish products are usually higher in magnesium.
If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. Punishments given to the cat will just make him or her less willing to be around its owner going forward.
Be sure to carrier train your cat. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. Then, you will have no problem using the carrier.
Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! To your cat the post is just right. 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.
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats out in the wild like to drink from running water, so they would like that at home too. Cats respond well to this stream of water. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. Food that is dry is cheaper but canned food is better for your cat’s health. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. Ask your vet, though canned food is often better for your cat.
Cats can really make wonderful pets. They can be comforting and relieve a lot of stress. However, it is important to know the basics of cat care in order to live peacefully with your feline. Use the advice in this article in order to ensure that your cat lives a long and healthy life.