Taking care of a cat is complex. At times, it can be difficult to understand what cats are thinking. Learn more about cats and how you can properly care for them. These tips will ensure your cat gets the proper care it needs and deserves.
If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Do not let your cat play with these. If the cords are in loops and the cat jumps into them or plays with them, they could possibly get them caught around their neck. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Hide the cords for safety sake.
Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.
If your cat is getting older, you can increase it’s comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty’s favorite resting spot. Replace it every three hours or so.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. These days, pretty much all shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read these chips, and because they’re beneath your pet’s skin, they won’t ever get lost.
You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. One way to deal with a kitten’s playful activity at night is just to shut your door. They should stay away from you at night and then they will not be able to jump on your feet.
Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Cats, just like people, want to feel like a loved part of a family. Socialization is important to them. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.
Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Read the label on any food you choose. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.
If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You cat is used to being at home and it might shock him to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. To keep you cat from feeling nervous, keep the volume at a lower level. A trip is already stressful for a pet.
Why is your cat meowing? Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. Getting to know your cats cues will help you to interpret her meows.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
As soon as you adopt your cat, fit him with identification tags attached to a collar. Even an indoor pet should have this. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. The tag should have your phone number on it. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.
Phenol is a dangerous chemical to use around your cat. This chemical is often in Lysol and certain other regular household cleaners. Cats hate the smell of phenol, and for good reason. Long term exposure to it can cause cats to have live issues.
Outdoor Cats
If possible, make sure your cat is always indoors. Studies have proven that cats who live most of their life indoors live longer than outdoor cats. Indoor cats don’t face the diseases and other risks that outdoor cats do.
Don’t let a cat that’s had its claws removed go outside. The cat is defenseless against other animals, which may lead to injury or possibly death. Indoor cats can be declawed, though. Make sure that only the front claws are removed. Leave the back claws, as these do not scratch your floors or furniture.
If you can’t please your cat, these tips will at least help you can take care of him. Use this article to ensure that you are fulfilling your cat’s most basic needs, as well as its need for love. Maybe your cat will even show his appreciation by being nice. Maybe!
