Cats need to eat right and exercise, just like you. Without a diet like this, cats can get sick or become overweight. Read the following tips to ensure a long life and healthy relationship with your pet cat.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Try to stick with one vet during the life of your pet. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.
Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. If your cat is having a health issue or injury, they need to be seen by their vet right away.
Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Cats need to exercise and play. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Boredom can beget illness. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!
You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.
If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. If your punish your car, he or she is just going to become scared of you.
To help avoid a finicky cat, feed your cat different brands of cat food. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.
Invest in a cat friendly fountain. Cats out in the wild like to drink from running water, so they would like that at home too. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. In fact, the running water in a sink garnishes more attention from a cat than their water bowl usually does. This is a more natural way for them to drink.
Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. Even though that nice coat of beautiful silky fur looks great, it can leave a mess on your floors, furniture and clothing. Unless you’re committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.
Pay attention if your cat won’t use their litter box. This could be a side effect of a health problem. These conditions include kidney and bladder problems. Speak with a veterinarian if you have a cat that has these issues.
Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. Cats wag or move their tails from side to side as well, but not for the reasons dogs do. When a cat wags its tail, it is usually due to conflict and a potential decision of fight or flee. If you happen to be cuddling with your cat when the wagging occurs, be prepared to loosen your grip!
There are some options for a cat with hairballs. Adding in just 1 teaspoon of pumpkin mixed in with their food bowl can help with prevention. You can also mix in a little water from a tuna can with the pumpkin. There are also cat foods that contain an anti-hairball component, usually extra fiber, that may solve the problem.
Avoid overfeeding your cat. Many health issues can arise from doing so. The extra weight can directly cause health problems now and in the future. Watch your cat’s portions and make sure that you feed him a well-balanced diet.
Put tape on furniture to seal it up. This will prevent your cat from scratching the material. You can find special tape in most pet stores. With this tape and a well-placed scratching post, your feline should stop the bad behavior quickly.
Proper nutrition and diet is essential for a cat’s well being. Eating the wrong foods or not eating enough or too much can shorten your cat’s life span. Do what is best for your cat by giving them the right care.