Cats can be wonderful companions. Cats are very independent and can entertain themselves to some extent if you are often busy. Use the things that this article will teach you, and you’re going to have a cat that is happy and healthy throughout its life.
Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. This could save your cat’s life!
Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.
If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.
You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. You can use a microchip instead; you can store your contact information in the chip and it will not bother your cat. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.
It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. These are very painful and expensive to treat. Choose a cat food with low magnesium content. Be sure to read the ingredient label. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. If this occurs, you will have a mess on your hands. Simply place a cloth placemat that will grab at the food under their plate and then shaken out over the trash. You can put a vinyl one underneath that can be picked up wiped down easily if you prefer.
You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. Punishment affects cats differently from dogs. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. Then, you will have no problem using the carrier.
Cat Needs
Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.
Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. A constant stream of water will entice them to stay hydrated. In fact, there are cats that enjoy drinking from a running sink instead of a bowl. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.
A declawed cat should not be outdoors. They won’t be able to protect themselves against other animals, and they run the risk of getting seriously injured. Cats that are declawed should be indoor cats only. The front claws should be the only ones 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.
Cats Human
Don’t give cats human medication. Some people incorrectly give cats human medications thinking it will be okay in small doses, but it can kill him or her. If your pet has any issues, take them to a vet for proper pet medication. Giving your pet medication that was meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and it may even cause death.
Cats are perfect pets for houses and condos. As a responsible cat owner, however, you must educate yourself on the proper way to care for your kitty. Use the valuable information in this article to understand how to care for your cat correctly. This way, you and kitty will enjoy a very special bond.
