If you want a wonderful pet, look no further than a cat. Those new to cat ownership or just interested in cat care should read the following tips. Living with a cat is rewarding but does present some responsibilities unique to the cat species. Read on for useful tips.
Properly groom your cat. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. A well-groomed feline looks great on their own, but also helps keep a home well-groomed too.
Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. You should wrap it with a towel and place it under the bed your cat uses. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.
The claws of a cat can really destroy parts of your house and furniture. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. Sooner or later, they’ll love to use it.
Cats are generally nocturnal. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night. If your kittens are keeping you awake into the middle of the night, close the door to your bedroom. Your cat will not bother you in the middle of the night if this area is off limit.
Think twice before letting your cat outside. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
Litter Box
Do not discipline your cat if it makes a mess outside its litter box. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.
It’s important that cats get play time. Of course, all mammals like to play, regardless of age or species. Even older cats like to play. Spend some time enjoying your cat.
Outfit your cat with a tag and collar containing your address, phone number, and name. An indoor cat should also have a tag with this information because he or she can sometimes escape. Fitting your cat with a tag and collar greatly increases the chance that your cat will make it home safely.
Avoid using phenol-containing chemicals if you have cats. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Cats hate the smell of phenol and continuously exposing them to it could cause liver problems later in their lives.
If your cat has been declawed, outdoors should be off-limits. The cat will have difficulty playing with other animals and may get hurt. Indoor cats are the only ones that should ever be declawed. Even then, you should only have the front claws removed. Keep the back claws intact, since they can’t do damage to your furnishings and flooring.
Your cat should be fed food that’s dry on a regular basis. Kittens need wet food since they have tiny teeth. As they grow older, dry foods ensure that their teeth are strong. Dry food and wet food can also be mixed together for a really finicky cat.
There are many dangers, such as fleas, rabies or fungus, that you should consider before you let your cat outside. Some of those issues may affect indoor cats, but cats that are outside have a higher chance of dealing with them.
Though taking your cat to the vet is inevitable, the bills can be costly. Ordering medication through the Internet can help you save money. There are a few companies that will deliver the medications right to your house. This is great for medicine like flea treatments and heart worm pills that your cat takes monthly.
When you decide that you want a cat, it is a fantastic decision. They are good companions. Having said this, in order to actually enjoy your cat, you need to be aware of how to properly care for for your cat. Make use of this article’s excellent advice to improve the level of care you can provide for your cat.