One of the most fascinating creatures is a cat. Although they are extremely mystifying, they can be incredible house pets. They’re great because they’re able to take care of themselves mostly. The following article gives you sound advice that you can use to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Therefore, ensure your cat has enough space for exercising and playing. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.
Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Read the labels. Cat food with lots of fish tends to have more magnesium, while products with lots of poultry tend to have less.
Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. Spend time instructing your children on cat care. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.
Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. To keep your cat healthy, provide your cat with a high place to sit. You can use a cleared shelf if you’d rather not have a cat tree. You can also add a small bed or blanket at the top.
You should brush your cat very regularly. This keeps the fur well oiled and the skin healthy. It also loosens hair that is about ready to fall out. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.
Get your cat used to a carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.
If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. 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.
Your cat needs good play time. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Playing with your cat will help you to form happy and cherished memories to look back on.
Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.
If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. There are conditions that will cause a kitty to do this. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.
It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. A visit to the veterinarian will ensure that your pet receives the proper medication. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.
Cats are wonderful pets due to their independence and intelligence. If you are responsible, you should educate yourself about caring for your kitty properly. You should use the tips you read in this article to look after your beloved new cat. Your cat will enjoy a full and comfortable life.