Cat ownership can be joyful and rewarding. However, caring for a cat can be a lot of work and time-consuming. There are a few things that every person who owns a cat needs to know. Thankfully, this piece will explain some of these responsibilities. Keep reading to learn more about quality pet care.
Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Make vet appointments immediately if your cat has a medical condition or has become injured.
Keeping your cats away from the counters can be hard. If your cat is high, he can see everything that is going on. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Keep your cats off the kitchen counter by placing their towers near the kitchen or even in it.
Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. You never know when your cat could get away from you. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Nearly all veterinarians and shelters now have scanners capable of reading the information on these chips, and since they are under the skin, there is no chance of the chip getting lost.
It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Cats need stimulation. Too frequently this need is overlooked by owners. Boredom can beget illness. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
Most cats are nocturnal. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. If your cat is keeping you up at night, you should close the door to your bedroom. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.
Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.
Give your cat plenty of love and affection. They usually offer us warm companionship, and they require the same. Cats have a need to communicate with others to show they are part of the family. They probably would like to feel as though they are a wanted part of the family.
Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. This can lead to a big clean-up. It’s easier to clean up this food by purchasing a placement and inserting it under your cat’s food bowl, or you could simply cut some fabric and make it into a tablecloth so you can easily pick up the food and throw it away.
Do your best to determine why your cat is meowing. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.
If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. It could be injured via a vehicle or another animal. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.
Brush your cat often. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. It also loosens hair that is about ready to fall out. This can keep hairballs at bay because this can choke up a cat and also build up in its stomach.
Make sure your cat has identification and a collar all the time. This is important even if your pet lives indoors. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that’s open invites exploration. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.
Cat ownership brings many benefits. That said, it brings many responsibilities, too. Use these tips to make your cat’s life complete.