Cats are great animals and intelligent pets. You are responsible for learning and using what you have learned to provide the best life for your cat. Read this article thoroughly to pick up some great cat tips.
Keep your cat properly groomed. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.
Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Your cat can die when exposed to flea prevention items made for dogs. If you treat your dog for fleas, make sure you keep the cat away for several hours following the application.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Cats need a social life with people just like you do with other people. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. Special food can help. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.
Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. The savings can amount to almost 50 percent on regularly prescribed medications.
Drinking Fountain
You should install a small drinking fountain for your cat. When cats are out in the wild they like to drink running water, and this is true in your home as well. The drinking fountain will look more inviting than a water bowl. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. Installing a drinking fountain for your cat is a more eco-friendly way to provide it with some running water.
Keep a collar with ID on your cat. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. Tags that have your vet’s name and phone number are good things to put on the collar. This is also vital if your animal has health issues.
Let your cat take its time when you add a new cat to your home. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
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 sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.
Cats are excellent pets but being a cat owner comes with certain responsibilities. But they should be treated as the special species they are. They behave differently and have different nutritional needs. Use all the tips you read in this article and find more sources you can use to learn more about cats. Your cat is certain to appreciate the time you spent learning on caring for it.