Cats are very different from other pets. They are great house pets, seeing as they are so independent and smart. Unfortunately, caring for a cat is not always simple. Continue reading to learn some excellent cat care tips so that you can raise a happy and healthy cat.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. If you can, stick with one vet for your cat’s entire life. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
Cats are curious by nature, which can end up getting them into trouble. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck. Therefore, use a breakaway collar that will come undone whenever it’s being pulled very tightly. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.
Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords. Loose cords can be bundled and tucked inside old paper towel rolls. Electronic items with thin, tempting cords should always be put away when not in use.
A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. Microchips are minuscule, but can hold all the essential information about your cat and its hope. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. If you have trouble sleeping because of cats, you may want to close the door to your bedroom. This will ensure you sleep much better, without cats jumping into bed with you.
Make sure your cat gets lots of love. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. Like many people, cats need to socialize with people so that they feel like they are an important part of their family’s lives. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. To assist your cat if it has this problem, you should get food that’s special. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.
Boundaries Ahead
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. If your cat is going to be one that stays inside, let the kids know that it’s not allowed outside. Establishing these boundaries ahead of time prevents any confusion.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.
Rotate the variety of food you feed your cat. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.
If your cat will not use the litter box, try placing it at a different spot in your home. A cat knows that when it’s going to the bathroom it’s in a vulnerable situation, so you should make sure the box is in a calm, secure location. Great suggestions include your basement and laundry room.
Cats are magical and unique creatures that are perfect for homes if you take time to learn how to care for them properly. Carefully read over the advice found in this article. Put the information to good use for your kitty friend so that you can have them in your life for many years to come.