Taking care of a cat is complex. As soon as you obtain a cat, you discover that figuring them out is a life long process. However, with the right knowledge, you can easily take proper care of them and ensure their happiness. The below article contains excellent advice on how to properly care for your cat.
If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. If your cat has this issue, try changing his food. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.
Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Food with a low magnesium content will help. This means you should pay attention to labels on food. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.
Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. It’s a common practice for cats to eat their food on the side of their bowl. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.
If you’re getting a kitten for your children, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. Let your kids know where the cat can go. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.
Cats generally will meow for a reason. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.
Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.
As soon as you adopt your cat, fit him with identification tags attached to a collar. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. This precaution is especially important when your cat has an existing medical condition.
Aired Cats
Long-haired cats require more care than their short-haired comrades. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. You must be willing to spend more time cleaning your home. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.
Keep your cat healthy, and ensure him a longer life, by keeping him up-to-date on his vaccinations and health check-ups. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. Your cat is wonderful addition to the family, and must be cared for in the same way that you would treat all members of your household.
Litter Box
If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Call your veterinarian right away if your cat doesn’t use the litter box.
Every cat should have a collar with his name on it, the owner’s name, and a phone number. The cat may get out if it has a chance to, even house cats do this. They have to be able to get home again.
Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. Some of these foods include garlic, grapes, onions and green tomatoes. Allowing your cat to eat even a few bites may cause serious illness or even death. Even though everyone knows that cats love milk, this can actually cause a cat to have an upset stomach.
If you can’t please your cat, these tips will at least help you can take care of him. These tips will allow you to ensure that your cat is healthy and taken care of. You never know…perhaps cats CAN be impressed by humans. It could happen!
