Cats are amazing creatures, and they can be wonderful pets. As the owner of a cat, it is important that you learn how to properly care for them, so they can be healthy and live longer. Carefully read over this article to learn some excellent tips on raising a cat successfully.
Drape Cords
Don’t let your cat near drape cords. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.
Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. Your cat will experience considerable pain when he has to pass these crystals, and it’s not an easy (or cheap) problem for your veterinarian to fix. Food with a low magnesium content will help. Read the labels. Avoid fish products.
Why is your cat meowing? Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. Getting to know your cats cues will help you to interpret her meows.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. They may acquire fleas or much worse things. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.
Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This will help prevent any fights that may occur between your animals.
Cats enjoy being in high places. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.
Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Drinking Fountain
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. A constant stream of water will entice them to stay hydrated. In fact, there are cats that enjoy drinking from a running sink instead of a bowl. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.
Let your cat take its time when you add a new cat to your home. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. Eventually, they become used to each other and are comfortable together.
If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. A quick course of antibiotics can head off dangerous complications if you get your cat diagnosed and treated early enough.
Every cat loves to have lots of play time. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.
It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. Indoor cats live longer and stay healthier. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.
Don’t send a declawed cat outdoors for long periods of time. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. Even with that, only their front claws should be removed. Leaving the back claws are important so that your cat can scratch themselves.
If hairballs are a problem that brushing won’t solve, there are some other things you can try. One mixed teaspoon of pumpkin mixed into your cat’s food should help. You can also try a teaspoon of water used to pack tuna mixed with the pumpkin. Some cat foods have components, such as fiber, that prevent hairballs.
Cats can make incredible household pets. You have to work hard to keep them healthy and entertained. Be sure you thoroughly read over the advice found here in order to do this. This will definitely please your cat.