Cats are the most curious of creatures. Though they seem independent, they also appear to be thoroughly needy sometimes. The are often vexing, but cats can also be very satisfying as pets. Use these tips to understand your feline friend.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. It is best to always take your cat to the same veterinarian. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.
If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. It might take a little while, but eventually it should stop the problem.
If you want to let your cat outside, think again. This can be very unsafe for your cat. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.
A battered appearance isn’t a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. When a post is worn, your cats may enjoy it more. When you bring in a new post, the cat may ignore it.
Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.
Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. This is even true for indoor cats. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. Tags should include contact information for you and your vet. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.
Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. After all, everyone likes to play. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Make sure you play with your cat at least once a day.
Check your cat if they suddenly stop using their litter-box. Many feline health conditions can cause a cat to urinate and defecate in random places outside of their litter box. Some common issues are bladder and kidney problems. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.
Make sure you provide adequate space to a cat that is about to give birth. Giving birth to all the kittens can take hours, so you shouldn’t expect things to be over and done with quickly. You should take your cat to the vet if deliveries lasts for more than five or six hours.
There are things you can eat that your cat cannot. Garlic and onions are popular examples. These foods can make your cat very ill. Milk can also end up giving your cat an upset stomach.
If your cat has been declawed, outdoors should be off-limits. They won’t be able to protect themselves against other animals, and they run the risk of getting seriously injured. Indoor cats are the only ones who should be considered for declawing. Even so, only remove the front claws when you do so. Don’t have the back claws removed, since cats don’t use them to scratch up your house.
If the thought of your cat getting rabies, being subjected to fungus or catching fleas worries you, do not allow him to go outside. While some of these issues can affect a cat that stays in the house, they are more likely to experience this issues if they spend a lot of time outside.
Look out for holes around the home you would rather your cat didn’t get into. Cats can fit into very tight spaces. This especially applies to kittens. Be especially careful about this if you’re bringing a cat home for the first time. Seal up all holes no matter how small they might seem.
While you must use the vet for particular needs, those bills sure can stack up. If you are looking to save money, buy your medications from reputable sites on the web. There are several companies that deliver right to your front door. This is beneficial for monthly medications your cat takes, such as heart worm pills or flea treatments.
If you buy another pet, and you own a cat, it may be initially fearful of the new animal. To steer clear of problems, separate the animals at first. This will help the cat get used to the smell of the new animal. Then gradually introduce the new pet to the cat. Take it slow so your cat does not get upset.
Many people get cats for the holidays, but this time of year may be a little too hectic. Instead, it’s better to go to the shelter or pet store with your child and get them involved in choosing their new pet.
Cats aren’t simple creatures, but they are great friends once you get to know them. Work with these tips found here to make their everyday lives as good as they can be. Caring for a cat is one of life’s great pleasures.