You can get a better pet than a cat. People who never have had a cat would probably get some use out of the article below. Living with a cat is rewarding but does present some responsibilities unique to the cat species. Read on for useful tips.
Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.
Dog Products
Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats don’t like dog products. Flea products should not be used on cats in any circumstance. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.
When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!
Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. When the cat’s hair is longer, this could lead to hairballs. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.
If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. Make sure you are paying attention in order to better understand your cat.
Get your cat used to a carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. They respond better to encouragement. Therefore, place your cat’s favorite toy into its career. Leave the carrier open in a location that your cat frequently visits. The cat will feel safe when it enters this carrier after a while. It’s a much easier way to get the cat in.
You cat will not be likely to be a finicky eater if you vary the type of food you are feeding from time to time. If you feed your cat the same food all the time, your cat will likely be uninterested any any other brand or flavor.
Your cat deserves a high quality food. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Any foods with non-protein sources, such as corn, should be avoided. You have a carnivorous cat, and a diet consisting of animal proteins is essential.
When dogs are excited or happy, they will wag their tails when they see their owners. Cats may wag as well, but the meaning can be quite different. Tail wagging in a cat usually indicates a mental conflict that your cat is mulling over, such as deciding whether to flee or attack. If your cat wags his tail while you’re holding him, putting him down keeps you safe.
Never allow your cat to be exposed to phenol chemicals. This is a chemical that is normally found in Lysol, Pine-Sol and other household cleaners. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.
To the greatest extent possible, you’ll want to keep your cat close to you and your house. Indoor cats typically live longer than those who live outside. Make sure your cat is trained as an indoor cat if you don’t want it to get diseases or other things that can happen when it’s outdoors.
If your cat is prone to regular hairballs even after brushing regularly, keep reading for some great tips that can help you out. Consider mixing a little pumpkin into your cat’s food. Flavor the pumpkin with a teaspoon of the water from a can of tuna. Cat food sometimes has an anti hairball formulation, which includes extra fiber in order to solve this issue.
If possible, have your cat eat dry food. Kittens need wet food due to the size of their teeth. However, dry food is better for adult cat teeth. If your kitty is especially finicky, you can try feeding him a mix of dry and wet food.
When you decide that you want a cat, it is a fantastic decision. These animals can be very loving and help you reduce your stress. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Be sure to use the advice above so that you and your cat can coexist for years and years.