Cats are extremely interesting and are wonderful animals. It is essential to educate yourself on how to properly care for your cat. Read this article to learn helpful tips.
Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.
Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.
Electrical Cords
Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Cats are drawn to wires and cords, so you should keep them out of sight and out of mind if they are not being used.
Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. A kitty tower can really save your furniture. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.
It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. They love to be able to look around from up high. Therefore, you should create high areas for resting. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.
A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. You never know when your cat could get away from you. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.
Normally cats are nocturnal animals. This means their behavior is quite active during the night. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. This will keep them from attacking your toes.
Location is key when placing a litter box. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Both you and your cat will be happier.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. If it’s an emergency, buying online may not be an option. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.
Cats and small children may not always mix. Spend time instructing your children on cat care. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.
You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. Though you want to handle problems on your own, you may require advice from others who own cats. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. When you give the same thing day after day, it becomes boring.
Think about extra care before you take home a cat with long hair. While long, silky hair is beautiful on a cat, the same fur appears far less beautiful covering your floor, dark clothing, and furniture. If you don’t mind cleaning, get a long-haired cat. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.
Your cat should stay inside most of the time, and when it’s outside, you should ensure it remains close to home. Indoor cats typically live longer than those who live outside. While cats can get their exercise roaming the neighborhood and squaring off against other cats, they can also get diseases and injuries this way. Vigorous indoor play with an owner is a preferable way to get exercise.
Brushing your cat more frequently is the most common way to combat hairballs. If it doesn’t work, though, you have other options. Mix about a teaspoon full of pumpkin into your cats’ food. Try also mixing in some water from tuna with the pumpkin. There are cat foods that have anti-hairball components in them, like extra fiber, that can help.
Do not allow your pet to go without a tag and collar. Cats are intelligent creatures and can easily find a way to get outside. If your cat ever wanders off, a collar with an i.d. tag makes it more likely that someone will bring him home.
Always make sure to use flea and tick medication on your cat. Monthly medication drops are very good at preventing flea and tick problems. These medications prevent harmful parasites that can draw blood from your companion and possibly cause disease. Get a brand that is specifically manufactured for cats.
Cat Owner
Cats are excellent pets but being a cat owner comes with certain responsibilities. However, in order to enjoy your cat, you need to educate yourself on how to best care for it. Take these suggestions to heart so you can learn to be a great cat owner. Your cat will be grateful!