Cat ownership is an adventure with countless rewards. However, it also takes lots of work to take care of a cat. You need to know what you’re getting into. This article has tips from the pros you can’t care for a cat without. Keep on reading for excellent information on caring for your pet.
Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. When a cat is adopted from an animal shelter it saves its life and it helps control the cat population.
Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. For the most consistent pet care, choose one veterinarian and stick with them. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
Gets Caught
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.
If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. Be sure that the pet’s name and also your home number are on the tag.
Prevent your cat from chewing on electrical cords by spraying bitter apple on them. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.
You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Collars or tags can identify your cat, but cats can wiggle out of those, and they are also at risk of getting hung up on something. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.
Cats can have nocturnal tendencies. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. One way to deal with a kitten’s playful activity at night is just to shut your door. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Take a look at the food’s label. Poultry-based foods are generally lower in magnesium than fish.
If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!
Do you own a dog and cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to. That also means they don’t fight about water after eating the food.
Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Drinking Fountain
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Streaming water is your best bet. Many cats prefer running water over their water dish. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.
When your cat starts urinating often or in odd places, it may be time to see the vet. A change in where or how a cat urinates can signal a UTI or other health problem. Take the cat to the vet if it stops using the litter-box and let the vet diagnose the problem.
If your feline just won’t use the litter box, try moving it to a different location. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. A basement, laundry room, or another area that doesn’t experience much household traffic is the ideal spot for the litter box.
To the greatest extent possible, you’ll want to keep your cat close to you and your house. Research has shown that indoor cats have longer life spans than outdoor cats. 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.
As previously stated, owning a cat is beneficial to you. In order for your cat to be healthy and happy, you must give it the right care and attention. Use these tips to make your cat’s life complete.
