Although cat ownership is often delightful, it also comes with its share of challenges! Whether your cat needs a special diet or hates to be groomed, you’ll encounter a number of issues while caring for your pet. In the paragraphs below, you’ll find suggestions on how to provide your pet with all it needs.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.
You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. But, if you’re having to buy pet medication regularly, you will be able to save up to half the price if you buy online.
Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Keep in mind that a cat’s bones are much more fragile than a dog’s.
Cats generally will meow for a reason. After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. You’ll learn her cues quickly.
If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.
Buy your cat a fountain to drink from. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.
You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. This is essential, even for indoor cats. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.
Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. Hairballs are something that you will often deal with if you own a fluffy cat.
When dogs are excited or happy, they will wag their tails when they see their owners. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. When a cat wags its tail, it is usually due to conflict and a potential decision of fight or flee. If you happen to be cuddling with your cat when the wagging occurs, be prepared to loosen your grip!
There are certain foods that you might eat everyday that are not healthy for your cat. Some of these foods include garlic, grapes, onions and green tomatoes. If your cat eats these, it may cause him to get really sick or even worse. Your cat should also steer clear of dairy products.
Panting is a bad symptom. Panting is completely normal in dogs. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. Be sure to call your vet, particularly if your pet has suffered from respiratory issues.
Your cat may be lonely if you return to work after adopting them. It can be a good idea to get a companion cat to keep yours company when you are at work.
Avoid overfeeding your cat, as that may lead to health concerns in the long-term. Overeating can cause your cat to get very sick, in addition to becoming obese. Make sure your cat’s diet is well-balanced.
If you are worried about your cat contracting rabies, catching fleas or being exposed to fungus, you should not let him go outdoors. An outdoor cat is much more likely to be affected by these dangers than a cat who stays indoors all the time.
Caring for a cat may seem easy, and if you are lucky it is, but many needs lots of attention from regular check-ups at the vet. Use the information in this article to become a great cat owner so you can enjoy the experience fully. Doing some research will make things go better in the end.