Many cats think they rule the world, or at least your household. At times, it can be difficult to understand what cats are thinking. With the right techniques, you can improve your abilities as an owner. The advice below will help you give your pet what it needs.
Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. Be sure that the pet’s name and also your home number are on the tag.
Keeping your cats away from the counters can be hard. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. Therefore, you should create high areas for resting. If you place a cat tower around the kitchen area, they may be less likely to lay on your counters.
Litter Box
You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. The area should also be well ventilated so that it doesn’t smell too badly. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.
Though a veterinarian will almost always have a supply of medications that your cat needs, it can be more cost-effective to purchase them from online venues. Online prescriptions are not the best choice if you do not have the time to wait on a mail order, such as in a medical emergency. But, if you’re having to buy pet medication regularly, you will be able to save up to half the price if you buy online.
Regularly brush your cat’s hair. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. This is the time when your cats actually most prefer it. If you toss it away in favor of something newer, your cat may look for something older to scratch, and that may end up being your furniture.
High quality cat food is important to your cat. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. Any foods with non-protein sources, such as corn, should be avoided. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.
Drinking Fountain
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Cats will respond more positively to streams of water. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
Getting a second cat is usually beneficial to both, but you have to give the two cats a few weeks to get acclimated to each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. Sooner or later, they’ll tolerate and even begin to love each other.
If the cat stops using their litter box all of a sudden, keep an eye on this. Using the bathroom outside of the litter box is linked to a number of cat health issues. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.
Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. Some of these foods are green tomatoes, grapes, onions and garlic. Even a little taste of these foods can make your cat seriously sick. Milk can also end up giving your cat an upset stomach.
An indoor cat is a healthy, happy cat. Indoor cats live longer and stay healthier. Outdoor cats face numerous predators and are at a higher risk of disease.
If your feline has hairball issues, and there’s been no help from brushing, try these tips out. Give your cat’s regular food an addition of pumpkin (about a teaspoon’s worth). In addition to the pumpkin, try one teaspoon of water from a can of tuna. Your hairball concerns can also be addressed with specially-formulated cat food. Many blends include extra fiber to prevent hairball formation.
Cats may be affected by the same illnesses humans get. Because your pet is a family member, you are around them enough to know when they are not feeling very good. You should take your cat to the vet for an examination. This is the best way to rule out any serious illnesses.
If you worry about the cat you have getting fleas, rabies, or any kind of fungus then the cat shouldn’t go outside. While issues can affect your cat while inside as well, you run the risk of more when you offer outside as an option.
Make sure you know of any holes in your home that your cat might get into. Cats can get through minuscule gaps. Especially kittens. Keep this in mind when adopting a new cat. Cover up or repair any sizable holes you find.
Don’t offer table scraps to your cat as a treat. People food is not an appropriate diet for cats, both because of the ingredients and the manner in which food is cooked. If you wish to treat them, try giving them a tablespoon of cooked beef or chicken, or even a bit of egg. However, if you’re feeding your cat the right food, he is getting the correct nutrition.
The advice you’ve read can help you care for your cat. Use the things you have learned here so that you’re able to meet your cat’s needs. Your cat will be in better health and much happier if you are a good pet owner. Maybe not.