Cats are lovely, beautiful creatures. However, cats do require special care. A responsible cat owner is a well-informed cat owner. Luckily, the article below will illustrate exactly what those responsibilities are. Keep reading to discover more ideas for good pet care.
Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat’s life.
Litter Box
The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. It shouldn’t be put in an area with high traffic and should be far from their food. Put it in a ventilated area to reduce odors. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.
Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Cats have a need to communicate with others to show they are part of the family. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
You should brush your cat very regularly. This keeps the fur well oiled and the skin healthy. It is also a good way to reduce shedding. This helps keep those hairballs from building up in your cat’s stomach.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.
Scratching Posts
Keep old, worn scratching posts. Cats prefer used scratching posts. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
Give your cat canned food. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.
Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.
If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. This is likely to be something that should be looked after. Some inexpensive antibiotics can clear up a potentially dangerous illness.
If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. The hair may be a gorgeous thing to behold, but it will require a lot of maintenance. Don’t get a long haired cat unless you’re prepared to do a little extra cleaning. Not to mention cats that have long hair are more prone to getting issues with hairballs.
Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. Using the bathroom outside of the litter box is linked to a number of cat health issues. A bladder infection is often at the root of the problem. Speak with a veterinarian if you have a cat that has these issues.
If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. The best place for a litter box is in a secure, quiet area. Cats feel vulnerable when they’re using it, so they want it to be in a place where they feel safe. A basement, laundry room, or another area that doesn’t experience much household traffic is the ideal spot for the litter box.
Have your cat sport a collar that includes information regarding the owner’s name, address and telephone number. Even a cat you plan to keep indoors can sometimes get out or get lost. They have to be able to get home again.
If you have chemicals that contain phenol, make sure that you do not use these around your cat. Many household cleaners, like Pine-Sol and Lysol, contain this chemical. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.
It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. If health problems arise, take your cat to a vet. If you give a pet something that it shouldn’t take, you could injure it or even kill it.
Watch out for panting. Dogs love to pant. Sometimes when cats are upset or too hot they pant, but there are other reasons they can pant too. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.
Make sure that your cat is eating dry food when possible. As kittens, cats require wet food because of their tiny teeth. As the adult teeth grow in, hard food can help to clean and strengthen the teeth. If your kitty is especially finicky, you can try feeding him a mix of dry and wet food.
Consider making your cat an indoor-only friend. Outdoor cats have been proven to have shorter lifespans, and they are easily prone to catching many diseases. Your family, in turn, could get sick from your cat. Make sure kitty has a nice, sunny window to enjoy instead.
Owning a cat can be very beneficial. In order to provide a home that a cat will find comfortable, stable, and healthy, you need to be prepared to take responsible steps. Using the information provided here will be a big step in making your cat a happy addition to your life.