The Definitive Guide To Caring For Your Cat!

by | Jun 7, 2022 | Cats

Cats are terrific, but are quite particular. From specific dietary needs, to grooming needs and behavioral challenges, you must consider many different concerns when you have a cat. This article provides some great advice on a vast array of topics to help you deal with your new furry friend.

Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.

TIP! Cats enjoy getting into spaces that are small. A collar can become a liability if your cat is especially adventurous.

Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. They need to be brushed every day. Such practices help keep cats’ coats clean. Also, this can eliminate the constant shedding that you will deal with. Cat grooming will not only keep kitty looking great, but it will also help to reduce the effort spent picking up cat hair around the home.

To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.

A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.

TIP! Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people.

Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. An excellent tool for preventing your cat from jumping on the counter is a cat tower that is in the kitchen.

Make sure your cat gets lots of love. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Like people, cats like to socialize and need to feel like they’re an essential part of your life. They want to feel like a contented and satisfied member of the family.

Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.

TIP! Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. However, if it has a lot of hair, hairballs can occur.

Unlike most humans, cats love heights. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.

There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.

It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. This behavior may be indicative of an infection of the urinary tract or some other issue. Some inexpensive antibiotics can clear up a potentially dangerous illness.

TIP! Cats are great pets, but little ones may not understand that they are fragile. Teach your kids how to treat a cat.

Pay attention to your cat’s litter box habits. If it stops using the box, medical problems could be to blame. There are conditions that will cause a kitty to do this. Bladder troubles, kidney ailments, or infections can all cause this sort of behavior. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.

Litter Box

If your feline just won’t use the litter box, try moving it to a different location. A cat will be more inclined to use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet and safe area in your home. A basement or laundry area might be a good option.

TIP! Cats generally will meow for a reason. After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns.

Put a collar on the cat that lists your name, address, and phone number on it. The cat may get out if it has a chance to, even house cats do this. When your cat gets outside unexpectedly, it’s your responsibility to enable others to help your cat find their way home again.

The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. Garlic and onions are popular examples. If your cat eats these things then it can become ill or even die. Even a commonly fed food, milk, can make your kitty ill.

Your cat should remain indoors and near your home. It has been proven that indoor cats have a much longer life span than cats that live outdoors. Outdoor cats face numerous predators and are at a higher risk of disease.

TIP! Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach.

Be on the lookout for panting. Dogs normally pant on a regular basis. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.

Making sure your cat is taken care of can be easy if you know what you’re doing and if the animal behaves right off the bat. But, you have to remember that most cats won’t be that easy to take care of. Use the tips from this article to help you be the very best cat owner and fully enjoy the experience. All your research will pay off for both of you!