Cats are amazing creatures. Cats are extremely smart and independent; however, they can also be very loving, which makes them an ideal pet. Unfortunately, caring for a cat is not always simple. Keep reading to learn more about proper cat care so that your cat will remain healthy and happy.
Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. Whenever cats jump on these cords, they might get tangled up in them. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this.
Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.
Flea Products
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. This happens a lot with flea products. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. Cats love being up high so that they can see. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.
Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. To stop this from happening, make sure your cat’s food doesn’t have much magnesium in it. Check the label. Poultry-based foods are generally lower in magnesium than fish.
Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.
Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. They like responding to encouragement better. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
Scratching Post
Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.
You need to provide your cat with a drinking fountain. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. In fact, the running water in a sink garnishes more attention from a cat than their water bowl usually does. Installing a drinking fountain for your cat is a more eco-friendly way to provide it with some running water.
A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. This applies even to indoor cats. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. The tag your cat wears should display your number and your veterinarian’s information. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.
Litter Box
If you notice your cat is not using the litter box, try moving it to a new location. Cats perceive using the bathroom as an activity that makes them vulnerable, so moving the litter box to a less-trafficked area means your cat is more likely to use it. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.
Your cat should stay inside most of the time, and when it’s outside, you should ensure it remains close to home. Cats trained to live inside instead of outside live longer according to certain studies. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.
If you own a declawed cat, do not let it outdoors. Without claws, your cat is essentially defenseless against other animals. This is a dangerous situation for the cat. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. If you do decide to declaw your indoor cat, do not remove the back claws. A cat’s back claws are not used when scratching furniture, so those can be left.
Don’t give your cat medicine intended for humans. Only use medicine that has been prescribed or recommended by a vet. Refrain from giving cats any medication not intended for them.
Be on the lookout for panting in cats. For dogs, panting is completely normal. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. It is important to speak to your vet, specifically if your feline has suffered from respiratory issues.
A cat can be a wonderful addition to the family, as long as you make the effort to learn about taking care of them properly. Study these tips carefully. Put everything you’ve learned to use to keep your cat happy and healthy.