Cats make wonderful pets. If you are considering adding a cat to your household, read here about what is involved. If you have never owned a cat before, read these tips for important information.
Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.
If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. Replace it every three hours or so.
Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.
Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower. Encourage them to scratch that instead. It may take some time, but will be worth the effort and expense.
It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Cats need stimulation. Too many cat owners forget this simple fact. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. You need to give it new toys regularly and make sure your cat has plenty of space to run and play. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Long hair encourages hairballs. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.
Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Read the label on any food you choose. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.
Younger children can be a little rough with cats sometimes. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.
If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. Cats come to harm outside every day. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Cats have a love affair with heights. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. You can also add a small bed or blanket at the top.
Your cat needs to always wear some tags on a collar. This is essential, even for indoor pets. Cats can be very curious and they may escape out of a door or a window. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.
If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Sooner or later, they’ll tolerate and even begin to love each other.
If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, you should take him to the vet. Cats sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. A potentially serious illness may be able to be treated by inexpensive antibiotics.
Becoming a cat owner is a terrific idea. Cats provide plenty of affection and stress relief to their owners. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Try these tips and advice, and you will enjoy many years with your cat.