Much like humans, cats need a good diet consisting of foods that will give them the proper amount of nutrients. Without such a diet, your cat can either be malnourished, or become obese. Read the suggestions in this article to learn how to best feed your cat.
Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This could really hurt or possibly kill them. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.
Your cat needs to be groomed properly. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. This can keep them clean. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. Most vets and all shelters can scan these chips to get your contact information and there is no risk of losing the chip.
Litter Box
The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. This will keep both you and your cat happy.
Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. Consult the ingredient list. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.
You may get much better prices on medications online. In an emergency, however, this might not be possible. But, if you’re having to buy pet medication regularly, you will be able to save up to half the price if you buy online.
Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.
Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat. This creates extra work since you must then clean up the leftover loose food. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.
Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.
You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. Although you may feel like you don’t need help, other owners may be able to give you good advice. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.
Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.
Drinking Fountain
You should install a small drinking fountain for your cat. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. As your cat ages, canned food is more easily chewed. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.
If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. Using the bathroom outside of the litter box is linked to a number of cat health issues. Kidney, bladder and infection issues can make this occur. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
What your cat eats will determine how healthy he is. You could significantly shorten the life space of your cat if you feed it unhealthy foods. Therefore, ensure you provide your cat with plenty of high-quality food so that it enjoys a long life span.