“Feral” is a term for cats that have no home and wander the streets. If you are going to be a cat owner, you must learn how to take care of your cat. You should keep reading if you want to learn more about what owning a cat means.
If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.
Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. Microchips are minuscule, but can hold all the essential information about your cat and its hope. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats require plenty of exercise. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. Boredom can beget illness. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
Cats are generally nocturnal. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Litter Box
Put the litter box in an ideal location. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.
Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. To fix this problem, you can try buying a new food. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.
Avoid the chance that your male cat will develop crystals in his system that will come out in his urine by feeding a high quality diet. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. The best way to find out is to read the label. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.
Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. A cat should not be left alone with a child under five years of age. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.
Feed your cat top quality food. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Any foods with non-protein sources, such as corn, should be avoided. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.
You can now work against those stray cats and defend your residence. This article’s advice will point you in the right direction, so use it well. It takes a certain level of basic preparation and know-how to handle a cat properly. It is possible to form an attachment with a feral cat and make him your pet.