Cats make wonderful pets for anyone. If you’re going to own one, you must know all you can about proper cat care. Use the tips that you’re about to read to help you provide the best care.
You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Cats require physical activity. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this important part of ownership. Boredom can beget illness. Make sure you give them lots of toys and room to play. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. Cats want to feel loved and needed.
If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.
If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. You cat is used to being at home and it might shock him to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. Certain techniques, such as rubbing the paws of your cat in the litter could actual traumatize your cat.
Cats may make a small mess outside their litter box. Check out the box instead and see if it has been neglected; this is often a cause of accidents. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.
Mix up the food you feed your cat to avoid them becoming a picky eater. If you feed them only one type of food, they may refuse to eat anything else. However, stick with the same brand, and just vary the flavors because cats can have stomach problems if you vary the food too much.
A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.
Litter Box
If you notice your cat is not using the litter box, try moving it to a new location. A cat will be more inclined to use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet and safe area in your home. The best places are basements and laundry rooms.
Don’t ever declaw cats that go outdoors. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. An indoor cat can be declawed. It is important to note that if you are declawing a cat, only the front claws on the cat should be removed. A cat’s back claws are important to his balance.
Keep your eyes open for any signs of panting in your cat. Dogs pant as a way to release heat from their bodies. While excessive panting may be a symptom of anxiety, it may also be a symptom of something more serious. Be sure and make an appointment with your vet if you notice any respiratory problems with your cat.
If your cat has frequent hairballs, and extra brushing hasn’t helped, here are some other tips that may help. Put 1 tsp of pumpkin puree in their food. You can mix the pumpkin with a bit of water from a can of tuna. Another solution may be to use a cat food that has anti-hairball properties added.
Keep an eye out for holes in your house you’d prefer your cat stay away from. Cats can sneak into small gaps and areas. Be especially careful with kittens. Keep this in mind when adopting a new cat. Repair or cover any good-sized holes you locate.
You may want to avoid treating your feline with table scraps. Because of the additives and cooking techniques used in human food, you should avoid feeding it to your cat. However, many cats relish a small cube of cooked, unseasoned beef or chicken. Eggs are also welcomed. Cat food, though, can make your pet’s diet complete.
You have to take your cat into the vet for certain things, but the vet bills can really add up. It is possible to save a lot of money by using an online retailer to fill prescriptions. There are several companies that deliver right to your front door. This is very convenient for medications, such as monthly flea treatments or heart worm medications.
As stated earlier in this article, cats are great pets. To make sure your cat remains happy and healthy, you must become educated on how to care for them properly. Use all the tips you read in this article and find more sources you can use to learn more about cats. Kitty will be thankful!