Cats are wonderful pets, if you understand how to take care of them. If you have a cat, you must learn as much as you can about caring for your cat to keep it happy and healthy. You’ll pick up more than a few great tips on caring for a cat in the article below.
Groom your cat. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. It also stops hairballs. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.
If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.
Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. Flea products can be especially harmful. Your cat can die if you use a dog flea product on it. Keep your cat away from your puppy after treating it with some flea products.
Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. They are often active at nighttime. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.
Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Teach them about appropriate activities and how to gentle pick up the cat. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.
If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. If they eat the same food all the time without changing it, that may be the only one they’ll eat later on.
Pay attention if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box properly. It may be the sign of an underlying medical issue. They’re trying to tell you something is wrong. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.
Make sure play time is an important part of your cat’s life. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Spend some time enjoying your cat.
Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. Silky, long hair can be stunning, but that fur won’t look as pretty when it’s on your sofa, clothes, and carpet. Don’t get such a cat unless you are prepared for the extra commitment they take over regular cats. It should also be noted that long haired cats are much more susceptible to hairballs.
Put a collar your cat with your contact information on it. Your indoor pet might even get out if you leave a window open. When your cat gets outside unexpectedly, it’s your responsibility to enable others to help your cat find their way home again.
Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. Some of these foods include garlic, grapes, onions and green tomatoes. They can really hurt a cat if ingested. Milk could also lead to an upset stomach if the cat drinks it.
Indoor Cats
Don’t have an outdoor cat declawed. Cats without claws cannot stand up for themselves if they encounter another animal. The result could be injuries or death. Indoor cats can be declawed, though. Even in the case of indoor cats, you should only declaw the front claws. A cat’s back claws are not used when scratching furniture, so those can be left.
If your cat gets hairballs often and you have been brushing her regularly, there are other things that may help. Give your cat’s regular food an addition of pumpkin (about a teaspoon’s worth). A teaspoon of tuna can water can be mixed with it for flavor’s sake. Another solution may be to use a cat food that has anti-hairball properties added.
If you were unemployed when you got your cat, but are now heading back to work, your pet will probably have issues with loneliness. You can purchase another cat to keep it company when you are away.
Cats make great pets, but you must care for them properly. In order to become a good cat owner, check out the advice contained in this article and take it to heart. With the proper care and love, your cat will live a long, healthy life.