Feral cats are cats that live their lives wandering loose on the streets or in the wild. A good portion of the domesticated cat population is composed of them and they can sometimes be trouble. Knowing a bit about the care of cats is a useful skill to have, whether or not you intend to keep one as a pet.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. Replace it every three hours or so.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Give your cat foods that are low in magnesium. Check the ingredients list on the label. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.
It’s often cheaper to buy medicine for your cat on the Internet instead of through your vet. In an emergency, however, this might not be possible. But for routine medication purchases, you may find a discount of 50 percent online.
Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.
Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. The meows may indicate hunger, happiness, or a desire to go exploring. Look for the cues and you’ll be much more in tune with your pet.
Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.
Brush your cat on a regular basis. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. It also gets rid of shedding hair. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet’s stomach and they later cough it up.
Although your cat’s old scratching post may look very worn out, you shouldn’t throw it away. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. Any foods with non-protein sources, such as corn, should be avoided. Since cats are carnivorous, they require animal protein to stay in the best health.
Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. While long, silky hair is beautiful on a cat, the same fur appears far less beautiful covering your floor, dark clothing, and furniture. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Be prepared to deal with hairballs, which are a problem for long-haired cats.
Cat Properly
Now you know how to care for your cat properly. Cats can get unruly and ruin many things we love. It takes a certain level of basic preparation and know-how to handle a cat properly. When you discover the perfect cat to join your family, you had best be ready for it!