If you had the chance to save an animal’s life, would you do it? Many cats are available for those who can offer a loving home. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about adopting and caring for a cat.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.
When looking for a new cat for your home, contact a local animal shelter. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!
To help your aging cat feel cozy, place a warmed tile under his bed. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.
If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. It does not matter if you an indoor cat; if she gets out when in heat, you can end up with many kittens. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. It shouldn’t be put in an area with high traffic and should be far from their food. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.
Does it seem like cat hair is everywhere? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. The more your cat sheds, the more often you want to give them a good brushing. Brushing is a good way to keep your cat’s coat from getting matted and tangled.
Litter Box
It is possible that placing the litter box in a new part of the house will help your cat to bond with it. The cat instinctively feels vulnerable when using the litter box, so make sure it’s in a location that’s totally quiet and safe. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.
When dogs are excited or happy, they will wag their tails when they see their owners. A cat may look like it is wagging its tail, but it is completely different than what a dog does. When a cat wags its tail, it can mean that it is conflicted or that it is trying to decide if it should run away from a situation or attack. If your cat starts wagging its tail while you hold it, you might want to set it down to avoid getting scratched and swatted.
Give your cat a collar with your contact information. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, there is that small chance he or she might get out one day. If this occurs, you must be sure that your animal can find its way home.
Some foods are not permissible to serve to your cat. Common foods that are poisonous to cats include: garlic, grapes, onions and tomatoes. When a cat eats these items, they can get very sick. Milk is also not especially good for your cat’s stomach.
Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, close to home and near its owner. Indoor cats live longer and have less illness and pests than outdoor cats. While cats can get their exercise roaming the neighborhood and squaring off against other cats, they can also get diseases and injuries this way. Vigorous indoor play with an owner is a preferable way to get exercise.
Don’t give your cat medicine intended for humans. If your cat needs medication, then you should take your cat to the vet. You could unintentionally kill your beloved pet if you use medications designed for humans.
Cats have a great sense of smell, which allows them to be more perceptive. Sometimes this causes problems if you introduce a new food dish, bed, or scratching post. You shouldn’t be disappointed if your cat avoids new items at first. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they’ll be more interested in the new object.
If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Panting is a normal thing in dogs. Panting can mean your cat is anxious or overheated, but it may also be something very serious. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.
You should look for holes in which your cat could hide. Cats have the ability to get through small spaces. Especially kittens. Before you bring a new cat or kitten home, be sure to check for spaces the cat could get trapped in. Cover or repair large holes you see.
Cats often require a visit to your veterinarian, but that can get very expensive. A money-saving tip is to order medications through online sources. There are several companies that are able to deliver your cat’s medication right to your front door. This is very convenient for medications, such as monthly flea treatments or heart worm medications.
For some cat owners, the only way to make sure their pet is clean and properly groomed is to bathe them. Bathing your cat is generally not necessary unless they’re really dirty or a mishap has occurred. Cats spend a majority of their time cleaning themselves. Cats have been known to be a bit particular on how they look.
Adopting a cat is a wonderful thing to do. You have offered to give your home and your love to your animal. You’re making a friend for the duration of their life. Take good care of your cat and she will be your companion for years to come.