Cats are truly very finicky creatures; however, they can make great pets. Some need special diets, and that is only the beginning. The information below will help you raise a happy and healthy feline friend.
Drape Cords
Keep drape cords away from cats. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This may harm or kill them. Hide the cords for safety sake.
Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.
Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.
Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. There are special foods that can ease this issue. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.
Try to figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. The cat may want something to eat or to get let out. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.
Do you own a dog and cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This will also prevent squabbles between them.
Be sure to brush or comb your cat’s fur on a regular basis. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the fur. It is also a good way to reduce shedding. This helps to stop hairballs and their associated medical problems.
If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. You can solve this problem thanks to some very affordable antibiotics.
Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. Really play is something that all mammals share, no matter the age. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.
You should always try to keep your cat in your home as much as you can. Cats trained to live inside instead of outside live longer according to certain studies. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.
You should never medicate a cat with something that was meant for humans. If your cat is ill, you need to take him to the vet to get proper treatment. Giving cats medication meant for humans is very dangerous and could even kill them.
If your cat gets a lot of hairballs, the following tips should be useful. Consider mixing cat food with a single teaspoon of pumpkin. You might even want to try to add a teaspoon of tuna water mixed together with the pumpkin to see if that helps. Some cat foods have components, such as fiber, that prevent hairballs.
Do not overfeed your cat since this can lead to a lot of health issues in the future. Eating a lot more than normal can lead to your cat becoming obese and developing a serious illness. Don’t overfeed your cat and ensure that his diet is healthy.
Cats can get the same colds you do. Your cat is an important family member, so it is up to you to know when he/she is not feeling well. Always take your cat to the vet if you suspect illness. This is the best way to rule out any serious illnesses.
Do not allow your cat to leave the house if you are concerned about them catching fleas, getting rabies or coming in contact with poisonous fungus. While it is possible for a home bound cat to catch some of these diseases, the chances are increasingly significantly when a cat spends a good amount of time outdoors.
Initially, caring for cats may be simple, but there is a lot of work and love that needs to be given. By using this information, you can take the best care possible of your cat. Knowledge can help you have a much better relationship with your pet.