Though they are independent, cats need care, just like all pets. However, you don’t do this like you would for a dog. You need to pay attention to your cat. Look at this article for cat grooming tips to improve your cat’s appearance.
Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.
If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. Having your cat spayed is the only way to 100 percent prevent accidental litters.
If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.
You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.
Litter Box
Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. You and your cat will greatly appreciate this.
Prevent crystals from forming in the urine of male cats with the right diet. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. Go over the label carefully. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.
Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.
Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.
You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. Long haired cats often have hairball problems.
Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. Please consider your cat as a family member, and take good care of them.
It is important to designate a big and comfortable area for your cat to deliver her kittens. Since there are so many kittens, the birthing process can take a few hours. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.
There are some thing that you eat that may not be good for your cat. Common foods that are poisonous to cats include: garlic, grapes, onions and tomatoes. These items can make your cat very ill. Dairy, including milk, is also not a good thing to give your cat.
Chemicals containing phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Cats hate the smell of phenol and continuously exposing them to it could cause liver problems later in their lives.
Try to feed your cat dry food as much as possible. Small kittens do well on wet food, since their teeth are small. As an adult, the harder texture of dry food keeps their teeth strong. If your kitty is especially finicky, you can try feeding him a mix of dry and wet food.
Put tape that’s sticky onto your furniture. Cats naturally like to claw things and often your furniture is what they use. The tape will help prevent this. You can find special tape in most pet stores. Using this tape, along with a scratching post is a great way to keep your cat from scratching up your furniture.
When your cat is groomed well, it has an attractive appearance. Fulfilling your obligations to your feline friend ensures that your cat is healthy inside and out. Any time you spend improving the health and happiness of your cat will make you a hero. Use all of the tips in this article for a happier cat.