Cats and humans have lived together through the ages. Cats have also inspired countless works of art, including songs, plays, and films. With the provided history, it’s easy to notice why cats feel in charge. This article will help your cat live a happier life.
A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. These days, pretty much all shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read these chips, and because they’re beneath your pet’s skin, they won’t ever get lost.
Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Always read labels. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. A lot of time cats will take their food from their bowls to eat it on the food bowl’s side. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.
If you want to let your cat outside, think again. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.
Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. A child of that age doesn’t realize when they are being too rough with a pet. Find your child’s age of maturity when it comes to handling pets.
Cats like to be up high. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.
Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. This is essential, even for indoor pets. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. This precaution is especially important when your cat has an existing medical condition.
If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.
A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. All animals of all ages need to play and a cat is no different. Older cats might not be quite as energetic as they used to be, but light play can still be fun for them. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.
Is there cat hair all over every surface in your home? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. This will ensure your cat’s coat is tangle-free and not matted.
Place a collar on your cat that has your name, phone number and address. Even an indoor cat can get out. They have to be able to get home again.
Declawed Cat
Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. It can’t defend itself with no claws. The only place for a declawed cat is inside, with you. However, you should still only remove the cat’s front claws. A cat’s back claws are not used when scratching furniture, so those can be left.
Cats’ powerful olfactory abilities mean that they can smell changes in their home. This is why it is sometimes difficult to get them to use something new, like a bowl or cat toy. Don’t be discouraged if your cat decides to ignore these items at first. As the smell of your home gets onto the items, they’ll warm up to them.
Keep an eye out for panting. Dogs pant and that is the norm. Panting sometimes means your cat might be overheated or perhaps anxious, but it also can sometimes mean something even more serious. Be sure to talk to a vet, particularly if the cat is prone to respiratory issues.
Think about keeping your cat primarily inside the house. Research has shown that cats who go outside regularly do not live as long. In addition, they are more prone to contracting all kinds of diseases. In fact, some diseases could possibly pass to you and other people living with you. Your indoor cat will be happy if it has a warm and sunny spot to sunbathe in or a window to look out of.
Your cat believes it is the supreme ruler of all the world. Though with the advice from this article, you can help your cat recognize your rightful place in the relationship. Cats make wonderful pets, so use these tips to better care for yours.