Would you save the life of an animal? Millions of cats are out there and need a home. When you plan to adopt one, read this article to learn how to care for it.
Keep drape cords away from cats. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this.
Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. Brushing is a very important component towards taking care of your cat. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. It also stops hairballs. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.
A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. Try using one veterinarian consistently. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.
If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. You can remedy this by creating some place up high that you can can enjoy hanging out in. If you place a cat tower around the kitchen area, they may be less likely to lay on your counters.
Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. They need exercise and they get it through play. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. If your cat is bored, it might develop a depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors or ruin some of your furniture. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Try to figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. Maybe she wants to go out, or maybe she wants to eat. When you understand what each type of behavior indicates, you can improve your relationship.
Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? Dogs love to eat cat food! For this reason, you need to place your cat’s bowl in an area that is to high for a dog to reach. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.
Cats enjoy climbing on things. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. The cat will especially enjoy it if you put a blanket on top.
Cats do not need to be taught how they should use the cat litter box. This comes quite naturally to them and is not something that is learned. Certain techniques, such as rubbing the paws of your cat in the litter could actual traumatize your cat.
Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.
Use canned food for your cat. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. Be sure to ask your vet about your pet’s food; however, canned food is usually the best for your cat.
Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. This sort of behavior is common among cats with UTIs and other health problems. A quick course of antibiotics can head off dangerous complications if you get your cat diagnosed and treated early enough.
Has your cat stopped using its litter box? If so, consider moving the box into another location. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. Basements, laundry rooms, and other low traffic locations are a great choice.
Your cat should be kept inside whenever it can be near the person who owns it. Cats that stay indoors tend to live a lot longer because they’re not exposed to the elements outside of the home. Outdoor cats face numerous predators and are at a higher risk of disease.
Don’t let a cat that’s had its claws removed go outside. The cat won’t be able to fight back if other animals attack it and that could get it hurt or killed. Indoor cats are the only type of cat that needs to be declawed. Even so, you will only want to get the claws up front removed. The back claws should remain as they will not scratch furniture or floors.
Cat owners should be proud of loving their cats so much. You are giving a home to an innocent animal. You can look forward to many years of companionship with your cat. Care for it and it will care for you.