If you want a wonderful pet, look no further than a cat. However, if you’re new to cat ownership, you may want to read the paragraphs below. The following contains helpful advice all cat owners should know.
Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat. Flea products should not be used on cats in any circumstance. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.
Cats will often devote most of their time to grooming. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.
Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. Take a look at the food’s label. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.
Don’t let your cat outside. It is dangerous in today’s society. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. Younger children cannot fully understand how to properly handle a small pet. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.
Cats love being up high. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.
Brush your cat daily. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This will help to eliminate hairballs, which build in your cat’s stomach and prevents it from grooming itself.
Never punish a cat for a mess outside of its box. Usually this is a sign that you haven’t cleaned the box recently. If you get mad, they’ll never use the box again.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Most cats will prefer drinking water that is running over drinking water in a bowl. Normally, cats much prefer water that comes out in a stream. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.
If your cat is ready to give birth, give her an area to do it in that has plenty of space. Delivery can take between three and four hours. Once 6 hours have passed, if all the kittens have not been delivered you should seek the help of a vet.
Litter Box
If your cat will not use the litter box, try placing it at a different spot in your home. The cat instinctively feels vulnerable when using the litter box, so make sure it’s in a location that’s totally quiet and safe. A basement, laundry room, or another area that doesn’t experience much household traffic is the ideal spot for the litter box.
Do not use chemicals around your cat that contain phenol. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. The smell from this chemical is disliked by cats. Also, when exposed to phenol for too long, it can cause issues with their liver.
Cats have a keen sense of smell and notice the smallest things. It can occur when something new is introduced to the home, like a new water bowl, scratching post or bed. Don’t worry if the cat isn’t happy with the items when you first bring them home. Once your cat becomes accustomed to this smell, he or she will begin to like it.
If possible, have your cat eat dry food. Wet food is appropriate for young kittens because they have still-developing teeth which are small and delicate. As they develop adult teeth, the harder dry food helps to keep their teeth strong. Try combining both dry and wet food together should you have a finicky feline.
Cats can get sick in some of the same ways you can. Your cat is part of your family, and you know if your cat isn’t quite feeling that great. If you think something is wrong, visit the vet. That way the vet can rule out other more serious conditions.
Choosing a cat for your next pet is a good decision. They are great at relieving stress and are very comforting. There are, however, certain things you need to do to make sure your cat lives a healthy life. Therefore, utilize the excellent advice found here to ensure that you obtain the maximum enjoyment from your cat.