If you want a great pet, a cat is the best type to get. This article is especially helpful for people who have never been a cat owner. If you have never owned a cat before, read these tips for important information.
Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.
Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.
Flea Products
Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. Flea products are a great example of this. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. You should scold your cat when it scratches your furniture and direct its attention to the scratching post or tower. This solution might take time to take, but it will help in the end.
Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Choose a low magnesium food. Read the labels. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.
You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. If it’s an emergency, buying online may not be an option. If you regularly need to buy pet medication, you can get a savings of up to 50 percent online.
Watch kittens around kids. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat’s usual haunts. This will teach your cat that the carrier is a good thing. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.
If your cat has a scratching post that is beginning to look worn, don’t get rid of it. Cats prefer used scratching posts. By removing the old item and replacing it with a new one, your cat may try to find another item to scratch. This could end up being furniture.
If you just own one cat but are considering obtaining another one, then you should ensure you allow a few weeks for your old cat and new one to become familiar with each other. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.
Owning a cat is quite rewarding. They can help you to unwind and can bring you a great deal of comfort. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Consider the advice listed above, and help to give your cat a high quality of life while you enjoy his company.