There are so many reasons to enjoy having a cat. It does take a lot of work to own a cat, though. There are quite a few responsibilities that any cat owner must know. Luckily, the article below will illustrate exactly what those responsibilities are. Keep reading and learn a little something about caring for your cat.
Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This is an extreme choking hazard and should be prevented at all costs. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
Make sure your cat is always groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.
You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. You should heat a terra cotta tile with your oven, at about 200 degrees, for around fifteen minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.
You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Read the label on any food you choose. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.
Do your best to determine why your cat is meowing. As you develop a relationship with your cat over time, it will become easier to determine why she is meowing. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.
Are you a cat and dog owner? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. It’s not a good idea to rub your cats paws in litter. Some people think this is the way to train. It isn’t.
If you wish to add another cat to your home, give it a couple weeks for your old cat and your new cat to grow accustomed to each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. However, if you allow them to slowly get used to each other, they will eventually become friends.
Think about extra care before you take home a cat with long hair. That hair will truly get everywhere! Unless you have time to dedicate to cleaning up their fur, don’t get long haired cats. Long-haired cats also often have hairballs.
As mentioned earlier, there’s a lot of great things about having a cat. But good care is key to enabling your cat to maximize the duration of its life. Take the advice below into account if you’re thinking about becoming a cat owner.