Cats are amazing friends and companions. Those new to cat ownership or just interested in cat care should read the following tips. Continue reading for some advice you can use when you live with a cat.
Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.
Good grooming is important for cats. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. If you do this frequently you’ll be able to help the cat have clean fur. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. Regularly grooming keeps cats looking well and keeps your home neater.
Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Simply heat a single foot cotta tile at 200 degrees between 15 and 20 minutes. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat’s bedding. If you want, you can change it for a newly warmed tile a few hours later.
Electrical Cords
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.
It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. One way to nip this problem in the bud is to give your cat a dedicated perch of their own as an alternative to using your space. If you don’t want your cats to jump on your counters, you can put a cat condo in or around the kitchen.
Cats love to be high up. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. If you’re averse to cat trees for some reason, a shelf without breakable items will work. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.
Think about getting a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats like running water for drink more than water that is just sitting there. Cats generally respond better to a stream of water. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.
Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. Discuss this with your vet, who may tell you to feed your cat canned food.
Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. A change in where or how a cat urinates can signal a UTI or other health problem. Some inexpensive antibiotics can clear up a potentially dangerous illness.
Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. When cats are suffering from something, they may end up going to the restroom randomly outside of their box. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.
Put a collar around your cat’s neck. Make sure it has your address, phone number and name. Even if you have a house cat, there is a chance that he or she may get out. It is important that you provide a way that they can get back home if that should happen.
Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. These foods include grapes, onions green tomatoes and garlic. They can really hurt a cat if ingested. Milk upsets a cat’s stomach, too.
If you decide to declaw your cat, never allow it to go outside. The cat is defenseless against other animals, which may lead to injury or possibly death. Cats that are declawed should be indoor cats only. Remove only the front claws. You do not have to touch claws on the back, as these claws do not damage the floor.
Cats have a very sensitive nose and can easily detect any changes to their environment. For example, your cat will instantly detect a new scratching post, bed, food dish, etc. Do not be concerned if your cat does not accept these new items immediately. Your cat is going to like them more as they acquire your home’s smell.
Beginning a new job out of the house can have an impact on your cat. Therefore, in order to keep your cat happy and active, you need to consider obtaining another cat.
Cats catch illnesses just like you do. Since cats are like family, it’s easy to tell when they’re sick. A trip to the vet is worth the time and money in these cases. A seemingly minor illness might really be something far more serious.
You may want to avoid treating your feline with table scraps. Cats need special food of their own, which contain certain vital nutrients specifically beneficial to cats. If you want to make a special treat for your cat, it will like a small amount of eggs, beef or chicken. However, as long as you follow the instructions for feeding on your choice of cat food, his diet should be nutritionally complete.
Choosing a cat is an excellent decision. The can offer comfort and stress relief. That said, you must learn how to care for them correctly to live peacefully. Make sure you use the above advice so you can happily coexist with your cat for years to come.