Cats are great pets when you know what it takes to care for them properly. To be a responsible cat owner, you need to educate yourself on the best ways to care for your cat and find the best advice to make sure your little feline friend enjoys many great years with you. This article is like a Rosetta Stone of cat care information.
Drape Cords
Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. You should not allow your cat to play with drape cords since they could end up with the cord wrapped around their neck. This could even choke them to death. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.
Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable. Adopting your cat at a shelter allows you to save a cat’s life while also helping mitigate overpopulation.
Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. This can keep your cat alive.
Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. Buy your cat specialized food to prevent this problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.
You may get much better prices on medications online. You can’t always get it online. The savings can amount to almost 50 percent on regularly prescribed medications.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.
Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. It sometimes has more benefits over dry. The moist food gives your cat water, and it usually has more protein and fat in it. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.
Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. Even if your cat is a house cat, this is still a good idea. A naturally curious cat will readily wander out an open door or window. The tag your cat wears should display your number and your veterinarian’s information. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.
Play is something that all cats need to do. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Spend some time enjoying your cat.
Aired Cats
There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. Be prepared to deal with hairballs, which are a problem for long-haired cats.
Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. However, it’s important to make sure your cat can easily access its litter box. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. If your litter box is on a cold surface, place a rug or mater underneath it.
Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. Just like children, a kitten needs to have immunizations and wellness checks periodically to avoid disease and other health problems later in life. Please consider your cat as a family member, and take good care of them.
Litter Box
If you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, you’ll want to contact your vet. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. If your cat is not using the litter, kidney or bladder problems and infections may be the problem. If your cat stops going in the litter box, a call to the vet is in order.
When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. You need to be patient, as it will be three or four hours before all the kittens have been born. If the time has surpassed six hours and your cat is not finished, take a trip to your vet.
If you have a cat who won’t use the litter box, try moving it someplace else. Cat’s sometimes just don’t like the location you’ve picked for the box. Basements, laundry rooms and other quiet spots are best.
Cats are popular pets but they need to be cared for properly. If you’re going to own a cat and be responsible about it you should reread this article and use the information that is in it. Applying the insight learned in these tips will help to ensure that your pet has a happy life and provides wonderful companionship.
