Cats are beautiful creatures, but they do come with a price tag. Litter, toys, food and vet bills all add up. For ideas to improve your cat’s health and happiness, read on.
If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.
Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. 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 helps make sure your vet knows your cat’s history.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. That’ll keep kitty safe.
Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. 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. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.
Dog Products
Avoid using dog products on cats. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.
If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.
Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. They can scratch the post instead. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.
Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. Passing these crystals is painful and the vet bill to have this corrected is expensive. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This will help prevent any fights that may occur between your animals.
Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. Ask your vet, though canned food is often better for your cat.
If you’re adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. They may fight with each other initially. Give them a bit more time to begin to get used to each other face to face, too.
Litter Box
Carefully consider where you will place your friend’s litter box. Your first instinct may be to hide it away out of sight and out of smelling range. However, the litter box must be kept in a location that is easily accessible for your pet. Understand that cats are extremely picky. If its litter box is not in a convenient location, then your cat might not use it. A litter box located in the basement should be placed on a thick mat or rug.
Despite their independent nature, cats are no less expensive than any other pet. Cats require so much attention and care you would swear they are as needy as human children are. You can reduce your expenses while still taking the best care for your kitten.