Cats are wonderful to have around, but they aren’t always easy to live with! You have many issues to consider when you have one, ranging from different diets to having their nails clipped at the vet’s office. The article below offers tips you can use to offer your cat whatever it needs.
Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. This definitely applies to flea products. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.
Litter Box
You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. If you feed your cat the same food all the time, your cat will likely be uninterested any any other brand or flavor.
If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. The cats loves it the most in this condition. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.
You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Some foods contain a lot of fillers like corn products, don’t buy those. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.
Drinking Fountain
Think about getting a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Normally, cats much prefer water that comes out in a stream. Actually, certain cats like to drink right from the sink faucet as it runs. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.
If you just own one cat but are considering obtaining another one, then you should ensure you allow a few weeks for your old cat and new one to become familiar with each other. In the early days, you may see a lot of posturing from the cats including hissing and swatting at each other. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. Cats sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. Affordable antibiotics can solve concerns that may otherwise be quite serious.
Consider the placement of your cat’s litter box. It is tempting to place it out of sight, in order to avoid the image of it or smells that go along with dirty litter. The cat has to be able to easily access the box. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.
Dogs wag tails out of joy. Cats wag their tail for a different reason. When a cat wags its tail, it can mean that it is conflicted or that it is trying to decide if it should run away from a situation or attack. If you’re holding the cat and their tail begins wagging, they should be put down so that you don’t get scratched or hit.
While you may be fortunate enough to own a cat that does not require a great deal of care, many cats are a bit more finicky. Take what you have learned here and apply it to being a successful and happy pet owner. The more you know, the happier both of you will be.
