There is no end to the joys of cat ownership. Having said that, if you are a cat owner, understand that it requires some work. There are a variety of important responsibilities that all cat owners must understand. The following article will explain to you those responsibilities. Keep on reading for excellent information on caring for your pet.
Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.
Small places are spots cats love to get into. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.
You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. This means that they will be the most active at night time. If your cat is keeping you up at night, you should close the door to your bedroom. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.
Adore your cat! Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. They are social creates which need reassurance. Cats want to feel loved and needed.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. One way to alleviate this condition in your cat is by feeding him special food. Certain kinds of cat food are made to decrease hairballs. As a result, you and your cat will be happier.
Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Choose a low magnesium food. Go over the label carefully. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. Sometimes this will make the area around the bowl messy, and you’ll have to clean it. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.
Do you have both a cat and dog? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to. This will help you to be sure that the animals won’t fight over the water either after they’ve eaten all their food.
Cats enjoy high places. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. Putting a soft cat bed on the shelf can help to add a little comfort.
You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.
Acclimate your cat to its carrier. Dogs and cats will respond differently to punishment. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. This makes transporting much easier.
As was stated in the beginning of this article, you can benefit a great deal from owning a cat. In order for your cat to be healthy and happy, you must give it the right care and attention. Take the advice below into account if you’re thinking about becoming a cat owner.