A cat is an inquisitive, affectionate, loving addition for any family, and adopting one can add a great deal of quality time to your life. Sometimes you should provide the entertainment yourself with something like a new toy, game, or activity. Fun with a cat does not always involve the expenditure of money. Keep these tips in mind as you care for your cat in the best way possible.
Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. Adopting your cat at a shelter allows you to save a cat’s life while also helping mitigate overpopulation.
Small places are spots cats love to get into. A collar can become a liability if your cat is especially adventurous. Put a breakaway collar on instead. This will help you save your cat’s life.
To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty’s favorite resting spot. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Create a tablecloth for the feline. It’s a common practice for cats to eat their food on the side of their bowl. Sometimes this will make the area around the bowl messy, and you’ll have to clean it. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.
Do all you can to figure out what’s causing your cat to meow. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. Understand your cat’s preferences, and you’ll be that much better off.
Regularly brush your cat’s hair. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.
Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! This is the condition that cats like the most. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Since cats are carnivorous, they require animal protein to stay in the best health.
Spending time with your cat will keep both of you happier and healthier. Not every cat is the same, so that means you may have to pick and choose some of the tips you read to try on your cat. Your cat will live much longer when they are healthy, happy and active.
