Like people, cats require balanced diets with good nutrition. Without these basic needs, you could have an unhappy and unhealthy cat. This article will teach you how to properly care for your cat.
Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. Change it every couple of hours if desired.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats need to exercise and play. Sometimes, cat owners don’t realize this. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.
You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. Try and put it in an isolated area away from the cat bowl. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.
If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.
Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.
Buy your cat a fountain to drink from. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. You may have noticed that a dripping sink faucet quickly attracts their attention. A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.
It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.
Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. That hair will truly get everywhere! Unless you’re committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. Long haired cats often have hairball problems.
Litter Box
Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. Many cat owners feel inclined to hide the litter box. This litter box must stay in an easy-to-find spot for your cat. Your cat will use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet place and away from smells your cat does not enjoy. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.
Your cat should be kept healthy so that it can live a longer life. This can be done by making sure the cat is checked on by a vet and it has its shots. Just like children, a kitten needs to have immunizations and wellness checks periodically to avoid disease and other health problems later in life. Your cat will be a part of your home and that means it should be treated as good as you would treat a family member.
Litter Box Suddenly
If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. Some feline health problems may cause your cat to refuse to use their litter box. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, get him to a vet for a visit.
Give your cat a collar with your contact information. Even a house cat may get outside. Don’t take any chances; make sure your pet has the proper identification so he is returned to you.
Don’t have an outdoor cat declawed. The cat is defenseless against other animals, which may lead to injury or possibly death. Only indoor cats should be declawed. Even in the case of indoor cats, you should only declaw the front claws. You do not have to touch claws on the back, as these claws do not damage the floor.
Avoid overfeeding your cat. Many health issues can arise from doing so. Overeating can cause obesity in your cat, which can cause serious illness, similar to people. Take care to feed your cat the correct portion sizes. A balanced, nutritious diet is important.
A cat might seem like a good gift, but people are so busy around the holidays that it is not the ideal time to get a new pet. Bring your child to a pet store or a shelter and encourage them to help you choose a pet.
You should always get your animal spayed or neutered. Cats are naturally very curious. Indoor cats will sometimes try to slip out of your home. Even a short visit outside can lead to unwanted kittens down the road. Thousands of cats are put down every year from overpopulation.
Diet is a huge factor in any cat’s health. A diet with an overabundance of bad food or even just minimal amounts of right foods can leave your cat unhealthy, unhappy and even dead too early. Provide your cat with nutritious foods that give them the opportunity to live a long healthy life.