Felines are mysterious and even magical animals. Their unique intelligence and independence combined with their loving nature make them ideal as house pets. Caring for cats in proper ways, though, it not always that simple. Read on for a ton of helpful tips on caring for your cat, and use what you will learn to provide the best home for your feline friend.
Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. This helps make sure your vet knows your cat’s history.
If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. 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. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. These days, pretty much all shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read these chips, and because they’re beneath your pet’s skin, they won’t ever get lost.
Make sure your cat is not too bored. Cats require physical activity. Too many cat owners forget this simple fact. Cats that are bored may develop obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, or other issues that can harm their health. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.
Most cats are very nocturnal. They are often active at nighttime. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.
If you have to travel with a cat you should remember their ears. You may love belting out your favorite tunes as you drive on the freeway, but your cat probably enjoys softer sounds. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.
Cats enjoy being high up. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. You can use a cleared shelf if you’d rather not have a cat tree. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
Drinking Fountain
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats like their water to move. Streaming water is your best bet. Cats will even drink from the tap if they can! Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.
Feed canned food to your cat. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. Aging cats can chew this easier. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.
If you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, you’ll want to contact your vet. There are a number of medical issues that can cause your cat to suddenly stop using their box. Issues like a kidney infection are often behind such behaviors. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
If your schedule has changed recently, leaving your cat alone for long periods of time, you may find that your cat will seem lonely or lethargic. If your cat is going to be home alone often, then you should consider adopting a second cat.
Make dry food the foundation of your cat’s diet. 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. Your cat might enjoy eating more if you mix dry and wet food.
Keep your cat indoors if you want to protect them from fleas and bugs. Some of those issues may affect indoor cats, but cats that are outside have a higher chance of dealing with them.
Reconsider giving a cat table scraps. Human food isn’t great for cats because of the ingredients, additives, and cooking methods. Egg, chicken, beef or fish are good options for a cat. However, as long as you follow the instructions for feeding on your choice of cat food, his diet should be nutritionally complete.
When you bring a new pet home, your old cat may become upset. To avoid conflict, keep your new pet separate from the cat. This makes it easier for your cat to adjust to the animal’s smell. After a few weeks, introduce the new animal to your cat.
During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it may not be a good idea to give the gift of a new kitten or cat. A good idea would be to take your children with you when you go to pick out your new pet.
Cats are great pets to have around the home if you know what you’re doing when you’re caring for them. This is why it’s important to learn all you can about caring for your pet. Study these tips carefully. Put the information to good use for your kitty friend so that you can have them in your life for many years to come.
