Cats are terrific, but are quite particular. From particular diets to nail clippings at vet visits, you need to take care of a lot of different issues when you own one (or more). The following article will offer you expert tips on how to give your cat everything it needs.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. You can even switch it out every few hours.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
Cat medications can be bought affordable online. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. Because of this, you should keep your cat’s food in a high spot that your dog won’t be able to reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. If they only eat the same food, they may never eat another food in the future.
Feed your cat high-quality cat food. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. You have a carnivorous cat, and a diet consisting of animal proteins is essential.
Feed canned food to your cat. Food that is dry is cheaper but canned food is better for your cat’s health. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Ask your vet, though canned food is often better for your cat.
Dogs wag tails out of joy. Cats move their tails too, but it’s not for the same reason. In cats, wagging of the tail tends to indicate conflict or anxiety. If your cat starts wagging its tail while you hold it, you might want to set it down to avoid getting scratched and swatted.
You may often eat things that are quite bad for cats. Examples of problem foods include garlic, green tomatoes, onions and grapes. Allowing your cat to eat even a few bites may cause serious illness or even death. Milk is something that can hurt your cat’s stomach, so beware of that too.
Keep products containing phenol away from your cat. Phenol is typically found in cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. The smell offends them and being exposed to it for several hours can cause liver problems.
You should not let your de-clawed cat outdoors. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. If your cat is an outside cat, do not have it declawed. Make sure that only the front claws are removed. A cat’s back claws are not used when scratching furniture, so those can be left.
Cats have a keen sense of smell, which makes it simple for them to feel out changes in their environment. When you offer a new feeding bowl, cat condo, or bedding, your cat may resist. Don’t let this discourage you. You cat will adjust as the smells of the new items as they become a regular part of his daily routine.
If you previously adopted a cat when you were home all the time, and now you are away much more, your cat might get lonely. If your cat is going to be home alone often, then you should consider adopting a second cat.
Don’t feed your cat too much since this may cause them to acquire health issues later on. Besides putting your cat at risk for obesity, providing it with too much food can open the door to many other health problems. Carefully monitor your cat’s portions to make sure they eat a balanced diet.
Cats share a lot of diseases with humans. You know your friend’s habits, and you should be able to tell when they’re not feeling well. Take your cat to the veterinarian. It can be dangerous to avoid taking your cat to the vet when it is sick because there may be serious conditions that need checking. A vet can check for these.
Do a safety check to make sure there are no places where your cat could potentially get trapped. Cats can get through minuscule gaps. This definitely applies to kittens. Keep this in mind when adopting a new cat. Repair or cover any holes or openings that may attract a cat.
Vet visits are unavoidable, but the bills can be very expensive. One way to save some cash is to order your pet’s medications via the Internet. Do a quick online search, and you will find several companies that offer delivery service of the medications to your home. Buying frequently-used medicine this way can save you a lot of money.
Being a pet owner means you have to be responsible. Use these tips to become a better cat owner and to really enjoy it. Your research is going to pay off in the long run.