There are usually obstacles that arise when you first buy a cat. If you don’t prepare for your cat in advance, you will be in trouble. However, even with preparation, you can’t possibly hope to foresee every problem that these cute felines will cause. The more you know, the better, though, so read on.
It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. Try to stick with one vet during the life of your pet. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat. When this occurs, your cat could get pregnant. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.
Flea Products
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill. This particularly applies to flea products. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. Keep them separated by at least one door for a few hours after treatment.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Most vets and all shelters can scan these chips to get your contact information and there is no risk of losing the chip.
You may get much better prices on medications online. Sometimes, you may need the medicine immediately though. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.
If you have to travel with a cat you should remember their ears. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.
Create a tablecloth just for your cat. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. Sometimes, this results in food outside the bowl that you have to clean up. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.
Cat Owners
If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.
When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.
Place the litter box for your cat in an open area. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. Understand that cats are extremely picky. If its litter box is not in a convenient location, then your cat might not use it. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.
If your cat has been declawed, outdoors should be off-limits. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. Even then, you should only have the front claws removed. Don’t remove the back claws. This will help ensure that your cat remains safe in case it gets outside, and back claws will not scratch any furniture.
If you were home all the time when you first adopted your cat and are now going to be out of the home, your cat might get lonely without you there. Provide them with something to do while you’re gone, or consider adopting another cat.
Make dry food the foundation of your cat’s diet. Kittens need wet food due to the size of their teeth. However, dry food is better for adult cat teeth. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.
Make sure your cat does not get more food than it needs to prevent health problems. An obese cat is at a high risk for health issues. Make sure your cat’s diet is well-balanced.
Your cat is subject to rabies, fleas and fungus if let to go outdoors. Indoor cats can experience these problems, but it is much more likely in an outdoor cat.
You cat should wear a collar with tags. Cats are intelligent creatures and can easily find a way to get outside. If their collar has a tag, you have a better shot of them coming back if they escape.
You shouldn’t ever leave your pet outside during dangerous weather conditions. This includes extreme wind, rain, or cold. Cats will seek hiding places in such weather, and they might try to hide under a car hood. You could lose your pet if the owner suddenly turns on the car.
All the tips of training which you learned here apply to every cat breed, no matter how old or where they reside. There are certain common problems that arise when raising a kitten, but some cats will exhibit unique problems. Remember to enjoy your new kitten because that’s the most important part of the process.
