Feral cats are cats that live their lives wandering loose on the streets or in the wild. By learning how to properly care for a cat, you can ensure that they remain healthy. You can learn how to deal with these cats before they cost you money.
Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.
To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. You should wrap it with a towel and place it under the bed your cat uses. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.
Give your cat lots of attention and love. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Check the label. Cat food with lots of fish tends to have more magnesium, while products with lots of poultry tend to have less.
Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. While you may like some good tunes, your cat is going to appreciate other things. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.
Though cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Tell them how to be gentle. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cats should be handled more gently since their bones are more fragile than those of dogs.
If you cat is overly vocal, try to figure out exactly why he or she is making so much noise. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. This could mean that your cat needs to go out or is hungry. Getting to know your cats cues will help you to interpret her meows.
If you want to let your cat outside, think again. This isn’t safe for your cat. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Litter Box
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. A lot of people think that rubbing a cat’s paws in its litter box may help them, but in reality, it can be damaging to them.
Regularly brush your cat’s hair. Brushing spreads natural oils throughout a cat’s fur, and also helps stimulate blood flow in their skin. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.
If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. They need positive reinforcement. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.
Aired Cats
Think about the extra work before buying a long-haired cat. Long-haired cats shed constantly, and the fur ends up on your clothing, floors, and everything else in your home. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.
Make sure your cat has routine check ups and vaccinations to ensure longevity and good health. Cats need regular checkups, just like humans. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.
If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. Whenever a cat is using the restroom, it feels vulnerable; therefore, the litter box needs to be kept in a safe and quiet location. A basement, laundry room, or another area that doesn’t experience much household traffic is the ideal spot for the litter box.
Now you know something about cat care. If left unchecked, stray cats can do a lot of damage. Therefore, give your cat as much love as possible. When you discover the perfect cat to join your family, you had best be ready for it!
