Cats make great pets, but caring for them can be costly. Veterinarian bills, cat food, cat toys and kitty litter all add up. The following article has some great advice to help you care for your cat.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.
Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. Flea products should not be used on cats in any circumstance. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. A kitty tower can really save your furniture. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.
If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. Although you might enjoy jamming to your music, understand that cats prefer peace and quiet. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.
Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Let them know which rooms and areas your cats should not be in. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.
You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. This can be very unsafe for your cat. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, or get injured by a vehicle or another person. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.
Are you the proud owner of both a cat and dog? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. Consider placing the cat food on a location away from where the dog can reach. This can prevent squabbles over water when their food is gone.
Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.
Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. They respond better to encouragement. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.
Purchase high quality food for your cat. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.
Cats need to have play in their life. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. While older cats have less energy than their younger counterparts, they can still play a little. Spend some time enjoying your cat.
Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. Brushing is a good way to keep your cat’s coat from getting matted and tangled.
Try moving your litter box somewhere else if the cat won’t use it. Cat’s sometimes just don’t like the location you’ve picked for the box. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.
Cat Wags
When a dog wags its tail, the reason is because it is happy for some reason. When a cat wags its tail, it means something very different. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If you’re holding the cat and their tail begins wagging, they should be put down so that you don’t get scratched or hit.
Despite their independent nature, cats are no less expensive than any other pet. Cats require so much attention and care you would swear they are as needy as human children are. As you’ve seen here, your cat expenditures can be reduced while still allowing you to take good care of your cat.
