Cats are interesting creatures that are great pets. Being a cat owner is an enjoyable venture in life. Read this article thoroughly to pick up some great cat tips.
If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.
Try not to let your cat go outside. This can compromise your cat’s safety. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. 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.
Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. Small children don’t have the mental capacity to understand that certain activities are dangerous to the kitten. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.
Talk to others when you have a problem with your cat. Though you want to handle problems on your own, you may require advice from others who own cats. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.
Brush your cat often. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the fur. As an added bonus, it cuts down on loose fur. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.
Your cat should be given food from a can. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. The moist food gives your cat water, and it usually has more protein and fat in it. For aging cats, it is also easier to chew. Speak with your vet, however generally speaking, canned cat food is better for your cat.
Keep your cat healthy, and ensure him a longer life, by keeping him up-to-date on his vaccinations and health check-ups. Not unlike kids, kittens require vaccinations and check ups every so often so that they do not get sick. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.
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. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.
Many foods that are fine for humans are not good to give to your cat. In part, these include garlic, onions and grapes. If your cat eats these things, they could become very sick. Milk upsets a cat’s stomach, too.
Cleaning Products
Your cat will thank you if you avoid phenol in your cleaning products. Phenol is typically found in cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. It causes liver problems in felines.
Don’t give your cat medicine intended for humans. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. Giving the cat medication that wasn’t meant for them can really hurt them or even kill them.
Panting is not a normal response for a cat. Dogs love to pant. Panting sometimes means your cat might be overheated or perhaps anxious, but it also can sometimes mean something even more serious. Be sure and make an appointment with your vet if you notice any respiratory problems with your cat.
If possible, have your cat eat dry food. As kittens, cats require wet food because of their tiny teeth. Once they grow up though, dry, harder food will strengthen their teeth and keep them clean. If you have a picky eater, you might want to try blending wet food with dry food.
Cats get some illnesses that we do. Your cat lives in your household so you are more aware that it is not feeling well than anyone else. Therefore, if you notice any signs that your cat isn’t feeling well, immediately take them to to the vet. A seemingly minor illness might really be something far more serious.
Cats are awesome pets, as previously described. If you want to make sure that your cat remains healthy, you need to learn all you can about caring for cats. Read on to learn all of this information. Your cat is certain to appreciate the time you spent learning on caring for it.