Cats are interesting creatures that are great pets. If you own a cat, you must learn as much as possible about caring for your pet so that it can lead a long and happy life. Read on to find out more.
Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.
In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.
Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape. Other measures like tags and collars are better than nothing, but your cat may wriggle out of them or they may be torn off by outdoor hazards. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats require plenty of exercise. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
Cats are generally nocturnal. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. This will stop them from bothering you at night, and playing with your feet beneath the covers.
Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Make sure that you let your kids know which areas of the house the cat will be allowed in. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.
Cats need to play! Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. While a senior cat probably won’t be very rambunctious, the right type of toy will get them interested. Take the time to play and have a little fun with your kitty.
Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. If your cat sheds a lot, you probably need to brush it more often. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.
When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. This process can take up to five hours. If you believe your cat is still giving birth after six hours, you should immediately drive to the vet’s office.
One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats wag their tail as well, but have different reasons psychologically. If you see a cat’s tail moving like that, it is an indication that they are agitated or don’t know what to do. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.
You should try keeping your cat inside or allowing it to go in the backyard. Cats that stay inside have been shown to live much longer than the ones that are allowed to roam your neighborhood. If you want to give your indoor cat some outdoor time, exercise with them. That way, your cat gets some fresh air, sunshine and outdoor scenery without the risks of free-roamers.
Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. A clawless cat will have no defense against other animals, and when they’re outside they’ll run risk of death or injury. Cats should only be declawed if they’re going to be inside fulltime. Only take out the front claws. Leaving the back claws is no problem since they won’t scratch your furniture or floors.
As you are no doubt aware, cats can be wonderful pets. You must stay educated about cat care if you want your cat to remain healthy. Read back over the advice again, then start applying the knowledge to your home environment. You will be thanked by your cat.