All cats carry certain obligations for the responsible pet owner. However, you don’t do this like you would for a dog. You must take additional care to ensure they remain clean and well groomed. The following article has some tips for you.
You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. It also stops hairballs. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.
Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.
Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Let your cat have food that doesn’t have a lot of magnesium in it. Read the label on any food you choose. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. You can’t always get it online. However, if you buy meds for your cat on a regular basis, you can save huge amounts by getting medication via the Internet.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.
You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. This can compromise your cat’s safety. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. Cars, people, or animals could hurt your beloved pet. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.
Brush your cat at regular times. This will help stimulate blood flow. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. Your cat will get extra protein and fats from canned food along with some of the water it needs every day. It is easier for older cats to chew. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.
Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat. Therefore, they may hide, hiss, or even fight one another. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.
It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. Often this problem is quickly and inexpensively cured with a common antibiotic.
If you got a cat during a period of joblessness and are now re-entering the workforce, you should watch out for possible attachment issues. If your goal is to keep boredom at bay, then you might consider getting them a playmate in the form of another cat.
Just like humans, being overweight can harm a cat’s health, so do not feed him too much. The result of overeating is obesity, which then leads to other health issues. Know how much your cat is eating and be sure the cat has a diet that is balanced well.
Put tape on your furnishings. This can deter your cat from scratching the upholstery. You can find this specific material at your local pet store. Booby-trapping furniture and getting a scratching post can help you break your cat of this habit.
Treat your cat with flea medication. Most only need to be applied monthly. These medicines can prevent harmful parasites, which can drain your pet’s blood, causing diseases. Ensure you select a brand that is specifically meant for cats. Never use a brand meant for dogs because this can be dangerous for your furry feline.
Watch your cat around the Christmas tree during the holiday seasons. A curious cat might climb up the tree, try to swat it over, or chew on the needles. To be safe, keep cats away from the holiday tree and make sure there are no ornaments or decor that can result in digestive problems for them.
Don’t let your cat swat at other people or bite at feet. Although most people consider such behavior charming, it’s actually the sign of a poorly-trained, misbehaving cat. Teach them that this action is improper behavior from the onset for the best results.
Once you have taken great care of your cat, it can be a better pet. It is your job to do what you can to keep your feline friend healthy, happy, and comfortable. Cat’s generally appreciate the extra attention that grooming provides. Use this article to learn how to do that.