Having a cat in your home can be a wonderful experience. If you wish to own one, you must learn as much as you can. Read these tips to get the most enjoyment out of your cat.
Make sure your cat is always groomed. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat. When this occurs, your cat could get pregnant. Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.
Dog Products
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. These products can be fatal for your cat. If you treat your dog for fleas, make sure you keep the cat away for several hours following the application.
Microchip your cat. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Cats need play and exercise like other pets. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. Boredom can beget illness. Make sure you give them lots of toys and room to play. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.
Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.
If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. These are very painful and expensive to treat. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Take a look at the food’s label. Avoid fish products.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Tell them how to be gentle. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.
Think hard before allowing your cat outside. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. Cats can become infected with fleas, ticks and ringworm. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.
Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. You can use a cleared shelf if you’d rather not have a cat tree. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.
Litter Box
Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. Many times, this is caused by failure to properly clean or place the litter box. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
Give your cat a water fountain. When cats are out in the wild they like to drink running water, and this is true in your home as well. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.
Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. Kids need shots, and so do cats. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.
Cat Wags
Happy dogs wag their tail. A cat may look like it is wagging its tail, but it is completely different than what a dog does. A cat wags its tail when it is upset. If your cat wags his tail while you’re holding him, putting him down keeps you safe.
As was stated earlier, cats are a wonderful choice for a pet. To help you cat stay happy and healthy learn the proper procedures for caring for your new pet. Refer back to this article whenever you have questions or concerns. Your cat will be grateful!