Does a cat reside in your home? If you are, then you consider your cat precious. Cats are living beings that requite care and affection. Thankfully, you should be able to give your pet everything it needs. Keep reading for some excellent advice on cat care.
You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. If you want, you can change it for a newly warmed tile a few hours later.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.
Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.
It may prove quite a challenge to make your cat stay off counter tops. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them. You may be able to battle this issue by giving your cat a high place to chill. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree 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. The majority of veterinarians possess scanners that can read your chips. Because these chips are placed underneath your cat’s skin, they won’t get lost.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats need to play and get regular exercise. Unfortunately there are too many cat owners who don’t properly exercise their cats. Boredom can beget illness. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. If they are indoors, give them a scratching post or something to climb on.
Litter Box
The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!
Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Like people, cats like to socialize and need to feel like they’re an essential part of your life. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.
Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Let them know which rooms and areas your cats should not be in. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. This will ensure nothing bad happens.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.
There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. You may have heard that rubbing your cat;s paws in litter will help them learn, but that may have a traumatizing effect.
Take the time to make your cat familiar and comfortable with a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. Your cat will start to venture into their carrier more often, until they are completely comfortable with it. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.
If you have a pregnant cat ready to birth her babies, be sure she has enough space. The birth will take place over the span of several hours. If the birth takes an excessively long time or you believe a kitten is stuck inside, an immediate visit to the veterinary hospital is essential.
If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. Instinctively, cat’s will search out a safe place to eliminate, so try relocating the litter box to a quiet and secluded area. Some great examples of such locations are basements, laundry rooms or any other less frequently used room in your home.
Your kitty is a member of your family that you should want to take good care of. After reading this article, you should have a good foundation of knowledge on how to care for your pet. Implement these ideas to create a safer, happier home for your cat. If you love your kitty, he will certainly love you in return.