Cats have a long and storied history of being human companions for generations. These animals have been portrayed in musicals, movies, and poems. Knowing this, you can’t blame cats for feeling just a tad superior! In the following paragraphs, you’ll find tips on how to be a better cat owner.

Your cat needs to be groomed properly. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. Regularly grooming keeps cats looking well and keeps your home neater.

TIP! In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required.

If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.

Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. Hide those loose cords and keep them out of sight in no longer needed paper towel rolls. If you have rarely used electronics, put them up when you aren’t using them.

Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.

TIP! It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs.

Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.

Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.

A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor. This habit means you will end up with cat food on the floor to clean up. 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.

TIP! Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas.

Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This will also prevent squabbles between them.

Brush your cat’s coat often. This will help stimulate blood flow. You will also decrease the amount of fur throughout your home. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.

It is important that your cat always where a collar that identifies them. This is very important for indoor cats. Cats can be very curious and they may escape out of a door or a window. Include your vet’s info as well as your own on the tags. Veterinary information is essential if your cat needs medication.

Litter Box

Take note if the cat ceases using its litter box. Some feline health problems may cause your cat to refuse to use their litter box. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. Therefore, whenever you notice your cat not using its litter box, call your veterinarian.

Try relocating your cat’s litter box if it’s refusing to use it. Make sure to put it in a quiet spot in your house. Areas away from high activity are a good choice, such as basements and laundry rooms.

TIP! Look online for cat medicine. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online.

One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats, however, move their tails or sway it side to side for totally different reasons. For cats, tail-wagging usually indicates some type of conflict or that he is deciding whether or not to attack or flee from a situation. If you happen to be cuddling with your cat when the wagging occurs, be prepared to loosen your grip!

Have your cat sport a collar that includes information regarding the owner’s name, address and telephone number. Your indoor pet might even get out if you leave a window open. Fitting your cat with a tag and collar greatly increases the chance that your cat will make it home safely.

Avoid any products containing phenol around your cats. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. The smell offends cats, and it can lead to prolonged illnesses.

TIP! Remember to take care of your cat’s ears if you travel with him. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down.

Your cat should be kept inside whenever it can be near the person who owns it. Indoor kitties typically live longer than the outdoor variety. 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.

Keep an eye out for panting. Panting is a normal thing in dogs. If a cat is panting, it might indicate simple anxiety or overheating. On the other hand, it may a symptom of a more serious health problem. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.

Your cat probably believes that it is the head of the household. The tips included above will help you better care for this precious member of your family. Cats make wonderful pets, so use these tips to better care for yours.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This