Cats are downright mysterious by their nature. They seem to be able to get by without you, but they tend to like to be around you at times too. They are very perplexing animals; however, it does feel nice when one is purring on your lap. This article provides lots of great tips for caring for your furry friend.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. Do your best to keep the same vet for your pet’s entire life. You won’t have to worry that the vet won’t have all of your cat’s medical records.
Cats will try to get into many different crevices. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. This can make the difference in whether your cat have nine lives or only a couple of them.
If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. Make sure at a minimum to put your pets name and your phone number on the tag.
It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this important part of ownership. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. To ensure your cat’s trip is pleasant, turn off the music or keep the volume low.
Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor. This makes quite a mess. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
Litter Box
If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
Your cat should like their carrier. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. They prefer encouragement instead. Inside the carrier, put a favorite toy and blanket. Leave it open in an area the cat will see. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. It’s a much easier way to get the cat in.
Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. Even an indoor pet should have this. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian’s information as well. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.
Pay attention if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box properly. It may be the sign of an underlying medical issue. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. Most of the time, these conditions can be resolved with relatively affordable antibiotic treatments.
Some foods that you enjoy as a human aren’t any good for your cat. Some of these foods include garlic, grapes, onions and green tomatoes. These foods can make your cat very ill. Milk is something that can hurt your cat’s stomach, so beware of that too.
It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. Cats that stay inside have been shown to live much longer than the ones that are allowed to roam your neighborhood. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.
Overfeeding your cat can dramatically affect its future health. The extra weight can directly cause health problems now and in the future. Monitor your cat’s meal portions, and be sure he is getting a well balanced diet.
Watch out for holes near your home that you don’t want your cat to hide in. Cats can fit through very small gaps. This especially applies to kittens. Be especially careful about this if you’re bringing a cat home for the first time. Make sure to cover any easily accessible holes or repair them if at all possible.
Cats can be a strange and mercurial breed, but they are most definitely good companions if you get close to them. Use the advice you have just read to give your cat the care it deserves. Cats are great for everyone, and if cared for correctly, a cat will be a happy, loyal companion.