When it comes to pets, there is no animal like a cat. They are great house pets, seeing as they are so independent and smart. As a cat owner, you need to be responsible and make sure your cat is well-taken care of. Read on for more information about cats and cat care in general. Take what you learn, and use it to help your cat live a happier life.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.
Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. If you can, stick with one vet for your cat’s entire life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. This particularly applies to flea products. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.
If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.
Litter Box
The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!
Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Choose a cat food with low magnesium content. Go over the label carefully. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.
Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. If you feed them the same cat food every day, they may not accept anything else. This makes it difficult to find food they’ll eat when a store runs out of a certain brand, or you are traveling.
Cats need to play! All animals of all ages need to play and a cat is no different. Older cats do not have the same energy level as younger ones, but they still like to play a little. Make sure you play with your cat at least once a day.
Unique and magical creatures, cats make terrific house pets, provided that you are willing to take the time to educate yourself on proper cat care. Use these tips at your discretion. Then put your new knowledge to use.
