Cats are great pets to have around and they need to be taken care of. Do not expect grooming a cat to be like grooming a dog. A little extra care and attention is needed to keep them looking good. Keep reading for some useful cat grooming tips.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help. Adoption fees often include things like spaying or neutering them, shots or other vet care. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.
Ensure your cat remains groomed. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. Doing it constantly can help you keep their coats clean. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. Keep your cat looking at its best by grooming it well.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.
Get a microchip for your cat. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hairballs, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.
Younger children can be a little rough with cats sometimes. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.
If you give your kids a kitten, provide them with firm boundaries at the same time. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. This will ensure nothing bad happens.
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. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. The added benefit is that you will prevent fights over the other animals food and water when one of them runs out.
Grooming is the main factor in making your cat look great. It is up to you to take the necessary steps so your cat looks happy and healthy. Anything you help your cat with in terms of grooming is going to be appreciated. Use the tips shared here for grooming and making your cat happy.