Would you save an animal if you could? Consider all the homeless cats in shelters or feral colonies that are in desperate need of homes. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about adopting and caring for a cat.
Keep your cat groomed. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. Such practices help keep cats’ coats clean. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. Bundle electrical cords together inside a tube. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
Pay attention and try to figure out what is causing your cat to meow. After you have lived with your cat for a while, you will come to know what she wants by her meow. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.
Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Check out the ingredients, and make sure meat tops the list. Don’t give your cat foods that have corn or other elements that have no protein. Cats in the wild are meat eaters, and domestic cats need meat to ensure optimum health.
Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. Dry foods are cheaper but canned foods are richer in vitamins and nutrients. The moist food gives your cat water, and it usually has more protein and fat in it. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.
A long-haired cat comes with a great deal of extra care. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. Don’t get a long haired cat unless you’re prepared to do a little extra cleaning. Not to mention cats that have long hair are more prone to getting issues with hairballs.
Litter Box
Really consider where you place the litter box. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. This litter box must stay in an easy-to-find spot for your cat. It helps to make life easy for the cat, as they can be quite picky about things. If you keep the litter box on a cold cement floor, put a mat or rug down underneath it.
When your cat is close to giving birth, provide a spacious area for her. It can take as much as about 4 hours for all the kittens to be born after labor starts. If six hours have gone by and you think there are still more kitten inside the cat, take her to a vet immediately.
There are certain foods that you might eat everyday that are not healthy for your cat. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic and green tomatoes. If your cat eats these things then it can become ill or even die. Milk can also upset your cats’ stomach.
Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, close to home and near its owner. Indoor cats live longer and have less illness and pests than outdoor cats. If you want to give your indoor cat some outdoor time, exercise with them. That way, your cat gets some fresh air, sunshine and outdoor scenery without the risks of free-roamers.
Pay attention to panting from your cat. Dogs pant and that is the norm. Panting could mean your cat is dehydrated or nervous, but it could also be a sign of a serious issue. It is important to speak to your vet, specifically if your feline has suffered from respiratory issues.
Dry food is best for adult cats. When cats are young, they require wet food due to the fact that their teeth have not grown in yet. As they develop adult teeth, the harder dry food helps to keep their teeth strong. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.
Cats can get the same sorts of illnesses humans get. Since your furry friend is part of the family, you should be aware when something is wrong with his health. A trip to the vet is worth the time and money in these cases. This will save you from bigger problems down the road.
Do not allow your cat to eat from your hand or under the table. Your cat may want human food, but most of it is not healthy for any cat. If you want to make a special treat for your cat, it will like a small amount of eggs, beef or chicken. Make sure that you consult with your vet before feeding your cat anything.
You should be proud about caring for your cat. You’ve given it a safe home in which it is loved. You can look forward to many years of companionship with your cat. Take great care of your cat and it will be rewarding.