Cats are truly very finicky creatures; however, they can make great pets. With so many needs ranging from vet visit to nail clipping, they require you to know a lot of things. This article can teach you all about basic cat needs.
You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. In addition to checking the health of your cat, a vet can give him any needed shots. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.
Dog Products
Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats don’t like dog products. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Dog flea prevention products will kill your cat. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.
If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Cat Needs
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Every cat needs exercise time and play! Too many cat owners forget this simple fact. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.
Prevent crystals from forming in the urine of male cats with the right diet. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Give your cat foods that are low in magnesium. Take a look at the food’s label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.
Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. Therefore, the volume of your music should be minimized, and turn it off completely if necessary.
Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.
A battered appearance isn’t a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. Cats love them! If you throw it away, you may find your cat scratching on other surfaces.
Use canned food for your cat. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. The moist food gives your cat water, and it usually has more protein and fat in it. Canned food is much easier to chew for older cats. You should listen to what your vet recommends, though.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. They may fight with each other initially. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.
Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? Cats are big shedders, so you should brush them frequently. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. It’s also a great aid to keeping the cat’s coat as pristine as possible.
Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. Do not hide the box simply to reduce the smell. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.
Caring for a cat may appear simple if you luck out and get a cat that doesn’t cause major issues, but many needs lots of TLC, some vet check-ups, and lots of attention. Make use of the excellent advice provided here to ensure you are doing all you can for your cat. The effort expended will be well worth it, and will be rewarded in many ways.