Cats make wonderful pets, however, they can also be a bit finicky. You have many issues to consider when you have one, ranging from different diets to having their nails clipped at the vet’s office. The article below offers tips you can use to offer your cat whatever it needs.
Do not use dog products on your cat. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. Most office stores sell a tube that you can stick all of your wires and cords through if the spray doesn’t work. Hide those loose cords and keep them out of sight in no longer needed paper towel rolls. If you own electronic devices with thin cords, you should keep them out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them enough space to exercise in, with fun toys to keep them entertained. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.
If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. Passing these crystals is painful and the vet bill to have this corrected is expensive. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Check the label. Cat food with lots of fish tends to have more magnesium, while products with lots of poultry tend to have less.
Look online for cat medicine. In an emergency, however, this might not be possible. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.
There needs to be set boundaries with your children and a new kitty. Let your kids know where the cat can go. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. Establishing these boundaries ahead of time prevents any confusion.
Speak to others about your cat problems. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. The Internet has many cat forums where you can ask your questions, or simply speak with your vet.
Litter Box
Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. This will make getting the cat inside easier later.
If your cat’s scratching post looks old and worn, don’t throw it away immediately. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.
Give your cat a collar with your contact information. Even a cat you plan to keep indoors can sometimes get out or get lost. If this happens, ensure there’s a way they can find home again.
Don’t send a declawed cat outdoors for long periods of time. Without claws, the cat cannot defend against other animals, which can lead to real issues. Indoor cats are the only ones that should ever be declawed. Remove only the front claws. Never remove the claws from the back, as these are not harmful to your stuff.
You should never use medications designed for humans on your cat. If they have health issues, see a vet and give them what they provide. Providing your cat with a human medication can seriously harm them, and it just might kill them.
If your cat is spitting up hairballs frequently, and extra grooming does not help, these handy tips may help. Mix some pumpkin into your cat’s food. Try also mixing in some water from tuna with the pumpkin. Cat food sometimes has an anti hairball formulation, which includes extra fiber in order to solve this issue.
Never let your cat venture outside if something like rabies, fleas or fungus makes you nervous. 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.
While having a cat as a pet may seem strait forward, it can take a lot of time, love, and money for vet appointments, toys, and food. Consider the tips presented here to help you become a better pet owner and feel prepared for whatever your cat has in store for you. Do more research on the different things you can do to keep your cat happy and healthy.