Of all the pets that you could choose to own, cats are on the top of the list. You can get some helpful tips by reading the following article. The following contains helpful advice all cat owners should know.
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.
When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. It shouldn’t be put in an area with high traffic and should be far from their food. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.
Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Feed cats food that’s low in magnesium. This means you should pay attention to labels on food. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.
Think hard before allowing your cat outside. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.
Never punish a cat for a mess outside of its box. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.
Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Put their favorite toy and blanket in a carrier. Leave it somewhere they always go to. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.
Think about the extra work before buying a long-haired cat. The hair may be a gorgeous thing to behold, but it will require a lot of maintenance. You must be willing to spend more time cleaning your home. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.
Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. Your cat needs these periodic checks and particular immunizations in order to stay healthy. Your cat is a member of your family, so treat them like any valued member of your home.
Tail Wagging
When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. While cats are also prone to tail wagging, they do it for very different reasons. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If while being held by you your cat’s tail begins to wag, you may want to put him down so that you are not scratched or hit.
Refrain from cleaning or using chemicals in the vicinity of your cat. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. The smell offends them and being exposed to it for several hours can cause liver problems.
Your cat should stay inside most of the time, and when it’s outside, you should ensure it remains close to home. Free-ranging cats who spend most of their time outdoors have a shorter lifespan than those that are raised and accustomed to indoor living. 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.
If you were unemployed when you got your cat, but are now heading back to work, your pet will probably have issues with loneliness. If this is proving to be a problem, consider getting another cat to keep them company while you’re gone.
Dry food is a good choice for your cat. Kittens need wet food due to having small teeth. Once they grow adult teeth, they benefit from chewing dry food. You can also try mixing dry and wet food until you get the consistency your cat prefers.
Cats share a lot of diseases with humans. You should be able to recognize when your cat does not feel well. Take your cat to the veterinarian. A seemingly minor illness might really be something far more serious.
You may want to avoid treating your feline with table scraps. People food is bad for cats, given its ingredients, preservatives and common cooking techniques utilized. A good treat for your cat from time to time can be a small piece of cooked beef, egg or chicken. Make sure that you consult with your vet before feeding your cat anything.
Deciding to get a cat is a great choice. These animals can be very loving and help you reduce your stress. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your cat will enjoy each other for years to come.