Cats are wonderful pets, if you understand how to take care of them. A little self-education can transform you into the kind of responsible cat owner that keeps their feline friends happy and affectionate over the course of a long and healthy life. The article you’re reading has plenty of great advice about caring for cats.
Groom your cat. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. Doing this frequently can help them keep their coat clean. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
Cats enjoy getting into spaces that are small. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.
If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. Make sure at a minimum to put your pets name and your phone number on the tag.
Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. Bundle electrical cords together inside a tube. The cords on electronics should be hidden as well.
Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. Though, in emergency situations, buying online may not be possible. But, if your cat is on a regular medication, you can save quite a bit by buying it online.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Cat’s will often remove food from their bowl to eat it. If this occurs, you will have a mess on your hands. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.
Reconsider having an outdoor cat. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. If you think your pet needs to go outside, think about enclosing a back patio with metal mesh or some type of heavy screen to keep your cat inside, yet allow them to experience the outdoors.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
You should brush your cat on a regular basis. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.
If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.
To help avoid a finicky cat, feed your cat different brands of cat food. If they only eat the same food, they may never eat another food in the future.
Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Cat usually respond well to streams. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. Fountains keep the water cool and clean.
It is important for a cat to have play time. No matter what age, play is common among cats and other animals. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Spend some time enjoying your cat.
Litter Box
Think about where you want to put the litter box. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. However, it is important to keep their litter box in an area they can easily get to. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. The area around the litter box should be comfortable and warm to walk on, so make adjustments as needed.
When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. The birth will take place over the span of several hours. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.
Cats are popular pets but they need to be cared for properly. If you want your cat to thrive, take the advice here to heart. Keep the tips most important to you in a place you can find later. With proper care, your cat will live a healthy and vibrant life.