Cat provide many hours of joy for owners. It is naturally a lot of work as well. A responsible cat owner is a well-informed cat owner. Thankfully, the following paragraphs will give you the knowledge you need. Read on for much enlightenment.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. Adopting from a pet shelter benefits the cat population.
When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. 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.
Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. Flea products should not be used on cats in any circumstance. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Never let a cat become bored. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime. But many cat owners ignore that need. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Make sure your children are aware of rooms that are open to your cat. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.
Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs love to eat cat food! You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. They are much better with encouragement. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. In time, the cat will head inside and be happy. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.
Your cat deserves a high quality food. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. Stay way from cat foods made of corn or any other ingredients that aren’t based in protein. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.
When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. After the initial period though, they should start to settle and begin to get along like old friends.
Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. You must be willing to spend more time cleaning your home. It should also be noted that long haired cats are much more susceptible to hairballs.
Litter Box
Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. There are conditions that will cause a kitty to do this. Bladder troubles, kidney ailments, or infections can all cause this sort of behavior. If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, get him to a vet for a visit.
Have your cat sport a collar that includes information regarding the owner’s name, address and telephone number. Even if you have a house cat, there is a chance that he or she may get out. If your cat does get out, make sure that it can get home.
You should always try to keep your cat in your home as much as you can. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. Going outside may give your pet some exercise, but the risk of disease or injury outweighs that benefit.
If your cat gets a lot of hairballs, the following tips should be useful. Mix in a few pinches of pumpkin into your cat’s food. A teaspoon of tuna water mixed with pumpkin can also work. Your hairball concerns can also be addressed with specially-formulated cat food. Many blends include extra fiber to prevent hairball formation.
Make sure that your cat is eating dry food when possible. Little kittens need moist food since their baby teeth can’t handle much else. Feeding your cat some dry food will help it grow strong teeth. Dry and wet food can be mixed if you have a picky cat.
Reconsider giving a cat table scraps. Cats need special food of their own, which contain certain vital nutrients specifically beneficial to cats. Egg, chicken, beef or fish are good options for a cat. If you go by the feeding instructions that are on your cat’s food based on their weight and age, then they have a complete diet.
In conclusion, there are many benefits from being a cat owner. You definitely need to take care of the feline so that it lives a great and healthy life. If you see cat ownership in your future, put these tips to good use!