In the post adoption phase, many issues arise between cats and families. You need to prepare when getting a pet so you avoid mistakes. However, even with preparation, you can’t possibly hope to foresee every problem that these cute felines will cause. You should keep reading to learn more about how you can properly care for your cat.
Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. Do your best to keep the same vet for your pet’s entire life. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.
Take your cat to the vet every year. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!
Litter Box
Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. You and your cat will greatly appreciate this.
If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Food with a low magnesium content will help. The best way to find out is to read the label. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.
If you’re taking a trip with your cat, be sure to protect its ears. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. Try turning down your tunes or keeping it off to make your cat’s trip better.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. It’s not a good idea to rub your cats paws in litter. Some people think this is the way to train. It isn’t.
If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. Check out the box instead and see if it has been neglected; this is often a cause of accidents. Punishing your cat may cause him to become afraid of you or their litter box.
A battered appearance isn’t a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
You should feed your cat food out of a can. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. The moist food gives your cat water, and it usually has more protein and fat in it. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. Discuss this with your vet, who may tell you to feed your cat canned food.
If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. Affordable antibiotics can solve concerns that may otherwise be quite serious.
A long-haired cat comes with a great deal of extra care. Silky, long hair can be stunning, but that fur won’t look as pretty when it’s on your sofa, clothes, and carpet. If you can handle the extra grooming and cleaning time, then a long haired cat might be a good choice for you. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
The above advice is helpful for cats of all ages and breeds. These are key concepts you must know when raising a cat, but each person will make individual variations based on tastes and needs. Remember to have plenty of fun and give your cat plenty of love and attention.