A well-tended cat is a family member, just as beloved as the two-legged variety. It is important to know how to properly care for your cat, so that it can enjoy a long and happy life. Make sure your cat gets the right food, enough exercise and has no parasites. Keep reading for great tips on keeping your cat healthy.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. It will reduce shedding, which means that they won’t be experiencing a ton of hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck. Therefore, use a breakaway collar that will come undone whenever it’s being pulled very tightly. That’ll keep kitty safe.
Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. When the tile cools down, change it out for a fresh, warm one.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. Some required information on the tag would be the cat’s name and your personal phone number.
Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. If it’s an emergency, buying online may not be an option. If you regularly need to buy pet medication, you can get a savings of up to 50 percent online.
Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
Brush your cat’s fur regularly. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. This can reduce hairballs which can be harmful to a cat and build up in their stomachs.
Let your cat get comfortable using a carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. They respond better to encouragement. Put their favorite toy and blanket in a carrier. Leave it somewhere they always go to. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. Canned food gives your cat more protein and the water content helps with hydration. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. Your vet can give you more information specific to your cat, though canned food is usually better.
Aired Cat
Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Long-haired cats usually suffer from hairball problems too.
Panting is not a normal response for a cat. Dogs love to pant. If your cat is panting it may be overheated or having anxiety. It may also be something that is a lot more serious than those things. Take the cat to a veterinarian, especially if they’ve experienced previous breathing problems.
Make sure that your cat is not alone if you adopted one. One tried-and-true way to keep a cat from getting lonely is to pair it up with another cat.
Give your cat varieties of dry food whenever possible. Kittens need wet food since they have tiny teeth. Once they grow adult teeth, they benefit from chewing dry food. For those cats who are picky eaters, a mixture of both dry and wet food usually does the trick.
An overfed cat will quickly become ill. Overeating can cause obesity in your cat, which can cause serious illness, similar to people. Monitor your cat’s meal portions, and be sure he is getting a well balanced diet.
Cats get sick from many of the same things as humans. Since your furry friend is part of the family, you should be aware when something is wrong with his health. Have a vet look at your cat if you suspect this. The vet can reassure you that your cat isn’t seriously ill.
Check your home for openings that a cat could slip through. Cats are extremely agile; therefore, they can easily fit into small holes that you thought were impossible for them to fit into. Especially kittens. Make sure you know where all the holes in your house to help protect the kitten before it comes home. Repair or cover any good-sized holes you locate.
You should take a cat to the vet as regularly as you can, as it is a costly expense. You can save plenty of money by buying cat medication online. Some companies actually deliver medications straight to your home. This is ideal for monthly heart worm pills and flea treatments that your cat needs.
If you do have an outdoor cat there are microchips available to be inserted in them which can help you locate the cat should it wander away. There are websites that you can use to track your pet.
All animals can get parasites, and cats are no exception. When this happen, you should help your cat get rid of the pests. You can eliminate them and prevent their return if you use these recommended methods. Your furry friend will thank you.