A cat is a great pet for anyone to own. They offer companionship, clean themselves and are easily trained. The tips that follow regarding owning a cat are truly priceless.
Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. It is best to always take your cat to the same veterinarian. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. Change every few hours if you like.
If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.
Your furnishings and belongings can easily be ruined by a cat’s claws. You need to get a scratching post or a cat tower to prevent your cat from ruining your furniture. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.
Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.
If you’re taking a trip with your cat, be sure to protect its ears. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. Keep the music turned down or off when taking your cat on a trip.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Spend time instructing your children on cat care. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.
When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.
Cats love high spots. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If you don’t wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. You can also add a small bed or blanket at the top.
Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.
Litter Box
Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. Consult with your veterinarian when your cat refuses to use its litter box.
Getting a cat is great decision. Cats are often a comfort and can also aid in stress relief. But you’ve got to understand how to properly care for your cat. Following the guidelines you’ve just read will allow you to improve the quality and quantity of your cat’s years.
