Cats are really mysterious. As independent as your cat may seem, he or she probably enjoys your company. They may be a confusing animal at times, but you will love it when they jump on your lap and purr. Read on to find out what makes them tick.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.
It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. Buy your cat specialized food to prevent this problem. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.
Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Check the ingredients list on the label. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.
Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Children need to know how to hold a cat and what sorts of play a cat likes. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.
Make sure that you have a good tablecloth for your kitten. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. This habit means you will end up with cat food on the floor to clean up. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.
Use care if you have kids and a cat. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. When children get a little older, they develop the skills needed to be around small animals.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. To keep your cat happy, offer him a spot of his own up high where he can survey his kingdom. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.
When your cat starts urinating often or in odd places, it may be time to see the vet. This behavior may be indicative of an infection of the urinary tract or some other issue. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.
It’s important that cats get play time. Just like playtime is important for other types of pets, the same holds true for your cat, despite whatever their age happens to be. Although older cats won’t be as active as younger cats, they still need a little exercise. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.
Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. Please consider your cat as a family member, and take good care of them.
Chemicals containing phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. This type of chemical can be found in Pine-Sol, Lysol, and other types of cleaners. This smell is very offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can even damage their liver.
Don’t give cats human medication. If your cat is sick, take it to the veterinarian and use the medication recommended. Giving cats medication meant for humans is very dangerous and could even kill them.
If your cat has frequent hairballs, and extra brushing hasn’t helped, here are some other tips that may help. Put 1 tsp of pumpkin puree in their food. In addition, you could use one teaspoon of water for packing tuna and mix it with the pumpkin. There are cat foods that have anti-hairball components in them, like extra fiber, that can help.
If you adopted a cat while you were unemployed and it is now time for you to return to work, your cat may get very lonely around the house. One possible solution to ending your cat’s loneliness is to adopt a second cat.
Try to feed your cat dry food as much as possible. Kittens need wet food more than adult cats because it’s easier to chew. As an adult, the harder texture of dry food keeps their teeth strong. If you have a picky eater, you might want to try blending wet food with dry food.
Cat’s are susceptible to many of the illnesses humans are. Since your furry friend is part of the family, you should be aware when something is wrong with his health. Bring him or her to the veterinarian if this is the case. The vet can then rule out serious conditions.
Cats are very interesting creatures and you could spend the rest of your life trying to figure them out. Use the information in this article to help make their life more comfortable. Caring for a cat is one of life’s great pleasures.