Being a responsible cat owner demands a certain level of care and attention. Grooming a cat is different from grooming other pets. There is a little extra work involved with keeping them looking good and clean. Consider this article when it is time to groom your feline friend.
Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. It is highly recommended that you keep all drape cords pinned in such a way that the cat can’t see them so as to prevent any accidents.
Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.
If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only. One escape can lead to a lot of small kittens around! Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. Some required information on the tag would be the cat’s name and your personal phone number.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. This means that they will be the most active at night time. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Put their favorite toy and blanket in a carrier. Leave it somewhere they always go to. Your cat will start to venture into their carrier more often, until they are completely comfortable with it. This makes transporting much easier.
You cat should get cat food that is of a good quality. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.
If possible, always choose canned cat food. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. It is easier for older cats to chew. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.
Your cat will be much happier if you apply the tips from this article. It is your responsibility to make sure your cat looks (and actually is!) healthy. Any grooming efforts you take will be appreciated by your cat. Remember these tips for a happy and healthy cat.