Why wouldn’t you save the life of an animal if you could? Many, many cats are waiting for a loving home. You simply have to adopt one, and the article below will teach you how.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help. Adoption fees often include things like spaying or neutering them, shots or other vet care. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs. Flea products are a prime example. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.
Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. Electronic items with thin, tempting cords should always be put away when not in use.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.
When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. This will ensure nothing bad happens.
You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.
Litter Box
Never reprimand your cat for missing the litter box. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.
Purchase good quality food for your cat. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.
Cats Prefer Running
Invest in a cat friendly fountain. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
Every cat loves to have lots of play time. All animals of all ages need to play and a cat is no different. Even a mature cat that isn’t as spry anymore it still loves to play around. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.
If you’re dealing with a cat that won’t use the litter box, you should place it somewhere else. 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. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.
Your feline friend should always wear a collar and tags with your name and contact information. Even an indoor cat can get out. If your cat does get out, make sure that it can get home.
Cats are really good at smelling, and that means they’re good at figuring out if something in their environment has changed. When you give them a new toy, bed, food or scratching post, this can be an issue. You should give your cat time to adjust to new items in his world. You cat will adjust as the smells of the new items as they become a regular part of his daily routine.
Successfully caring for a cat is a difficult but rewarding thing. You’re providing affection and shelter to a create that needs it badly. You’ll also build a relationship with your pet. Take great care of your cat and it will be rewarding.