Cats can be finicky. They basically enter into your home as a mystery. Fortunately, if you educate yourself, you can better care for them. This advice will assist you in giving your cat the care he or she requires.
Groom your cat. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. Your veterinarian needs to know about your pet’s history, and your cat will feel more comfortable if you always take her to the same vet.
Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.
Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. If necessary, change this out every few hours.
Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Nearly all veterinarians and shelters now have scanners capable of reading the information on these chips, and since they are under the skin, there is no chance of the chip getting lost.
The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. This will keep both you and your cat happy.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Check the label. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.
You should brush your cat very regularly. This will spread a cat’s oils from their fur and help blood flow from within their skin. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
Acclimate your cat to its carrier. Cats can’t be punished like dogs. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. Over time, the cat will feel comfortable and go inside the carrier. Let it happen naturally or with only mild coaxing. Do not get angry. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. When cats are in the wild they tend to prefer water that is running when they are thirsty, this applies to cats at home. Cat usually respond well to streams. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.
Provide your cat with canned food rather than dry. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Speak with your vet, however generally speaking, canned cat food is better for your cat.
If your cat urinates frequently or outside his box, you may need to talk to your vet. This is likely to be something that should be looked after. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.
Litter Box
You should worry if your cat is no longer using its litter box. Your cat might have a hard time using the litter box because of a health condition. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. Consult with your veterinarian when your cat refuses to use its litter box.
The advice above will aid you in caring for your cat. You should do your best to look after your cat and make sure she gets everything she needs; these tips will help. Once your cat is happy, you will be too. Possibly!