Once a cat is adopted, many obstacles may present themselves to the family taking on the new pet. You should not adopt a cat until you are better prepared. However, it is impossible to anticipate every problem that can arise when you bring home a frisky feline. The following tips can put you in the best position as a caretaker.
If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.
Don’t allow your cat become bored. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. Cats who get bored can actually become depressed or display other undesirable behaviors. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Like people, cats like to socialize and need to feel like they’re an essential part of your life. Make them feel at home.
You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. It is dangerous in today’s society. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you think your pet needs to go outside, think about enclosing a back patio with metal mesh or some type of heavy screen to keep your cat inside, yet allow them to experience the outdoors.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. This makes it a good idea to have a cat feeding place high up enough that your dog can’t get to it. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.
Speak to other people if you’re having cat troubles. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Brush your cat on a regular basis. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. It can also reduce the amount of loose hair they have. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.
Never punish a cat for a mess outside of its box. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. Punishments given to the cat will just make him or her less willing to be around its owner going forward.
Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. This will be important even if you have an indoor cat. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. The identification tags should contain your home phone number and the number for your veterinarian. Include medical issues if appropriate.
If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. This is likely to be something that should be looked after. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.
Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. While long, silky hair is beautiful on a cat, the same fur appears far less beautiful covering your floor, dark clothing, and furniture. If you can handle the extra grooming and cleaning time, then a long haired cat might be a good choice for you. Long haired cats often have hairball problems.
Keeping your cat up to date on vaccinations and annual check ups can keep your cat in good health and provide a longer life. Kittens, like children, need to have their vaccinations and wellness appointments regularly to prevent diseases and other health issues from becoming a problem later in life. You have made your cat a family member, and you have to treat your cat accordingly.
The excellent advice provided here is helpful for any cat regardless of its breed or age. Though certain aspects of having a cat remain the same, all cats differ, so what applies to one may not apply to another. Enjoy your new cat!
