Cats are excellent pets and very interesting animals. They are wonderful pets because they are smart, independent, and very loving. Therefore, it is difficult sometimes to take care of your cat. Read this article to educate yourself on several helpful cat care tips, and apply what you learn to ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy.
Make sure that your cat is well groomed. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. This can keep them clean. Having a clean fur coat helps reduce the amount of hairballs that get spit up around the house. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. You won’t have to worry that the vet won’t have all of your cat’s medical records.
Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. This can make the difference in whether your cat have nine lives or only a couple of them.
Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. Bake a one-foot tile made from terra cotta in the oven at 200 degrees F for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.
Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.
Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.
Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. You won’t be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.
Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? Dogs will eat cat food right up. Because of this, you should keep your cat’s food in a high spot that your dog won’t be able to reach. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.
Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.
Regularly brush your cat’s hair. Brushing spreads natural oils throughout a cat’s fur, and also helps stimulate blood flow in their skin. You will also decrease the amount of fur throughout your home. Hairballs can be prevented this way, which often lead to choking. There will be little need for self grooming and hair build up.
Don’t scrimp when it comes to your pet’s food. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.
If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, you should take him to the vet. Cats sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. In many cases, cheap antibiotics will resolve the problem and keep your cat healthy.
Pay attention to your cat’s litter box habits. If it stops using the box, medical problems could be to blame. This could be a side effect of a health problem. Kidney, bladder and infection issues can make this occur. Consult with your veterinarian when your cat refuses to use its litter box.
Litter Box
If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. The best place for a litter box is in a secure, quiet area. Cats feel vulnerable when they’re using it, so they want it to be in a place where they feel safe. Some good places would be basements, laundry rooms, and any other place that doesn’t have a lot of noise and people going in and out.
As you can now see, a cat can be the best pet you’ve ever had. You should go over this article and learn more about how you can take care of your pet. Put the information to good use for your kitty friend so that you can have them in your life for many years to come.
