Cats need to stay active and have something to do when they aren’t asleep. When cats area alone, they can scratch everything and climb on the furniture. This can be prevented by offering cat toys. Continue reading to learn some excellent advice on how to raise the best cat.
Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.
You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat’s life. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.
It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Make sure you give them lots of toys and room to play. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.
Litter Box
The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.
Cats and small children may not always mix. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.
Cats like to be up high. To keep your cat healthy, provide your cat with a high place to sit. If a cat tree is not in your future, providing a stable shelving unit with no small items on it will do very well. Make sure that this area is comfortable for your cat.
Cat Owners
You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you’re having problems with your pet. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.
If your cat has a scratching post that is beginning to look worn, don’t get rid of it. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. If you replace it with something new, your pet might seek out something a little more worn to scratch – like your furniture.
If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Panting in dogs is perfectly normal. Panting could mean the cat is hot or scared, or something much worse. Be sure and make an appointment with your vet if you notice any respiratory problems with your cat.
If you have a cat with frequent hair ball problems, and brushing has provided no relief, the following tips might be useful. You can try adding a teaspoon or so of pumpkin to your cat’s food. Flavor the pumpkin with a teaspoon of the water from a can of tuna. Some cat foods also contain a component for anti-hairballs, generally extra fiber, which may resolve the problem.
Health Issues
Overfeeding your cat can result in serious health issues as he ages. An obese cat is at a high risk for health issues. Take care to feed your cat the correct portion sizes. A balanced, nutritious diet is important.
Vet bills are rarely small. You can save by purchasing your pet medications online. Many places will deliver the goods to your doorstep. This is very convenient for medications, such as monthly flea treatments or heart worm medications.
Think about keeping your cat entirely indoors. Cats that spend time outdoors generally don’t live as long, probably because they are more likely to get sick or get into an accident. Some diseases even have the possibility of spreading to people in your home. Let your cat rest in a room with a lot of light; this will help satisfy his or her outdoor needs.
Cats need to be focused on having fun, but not at your expense. Not only will it help them release that energy, it will keep them away from your valuable furnishings. Everything you’ve read in this article will go a long way toward creating a happier and healthier companion.