There are so many joys you can get from just having a cat. Having said that, if you are a cat owner, understand that it requires some work. There are various responsibilities that cat owners must know. Thankfully, the following article will tell you all you need to know. Keep reading and learn a little something about caring for your cat.
Keep drape cords away from cats. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. This could kill them. Pin the cords of your drapes up where your cat can’t get to them.
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. A spayed cat is a safe cat.
You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.
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. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Nearly all veterinarians and shelters now have scanners capable of reading the information on these chips, and since they are under the skin, there is no chance of the chip getting lost.
Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.
Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. When children are over the age of five, then you should decide whether or not they are mature enough to handle a kitten.
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.
Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.
Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. Even if it’s an indoor cat, this is important. A naturally curious cat will readily wander out an open door or window. The tag should have your phone number on it. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.
Litter Box
Think about where you want to put the litter box. It’s sometimes tempting to put the box somewhere that you don’t have to smell or see it. However, it’s important to make sure your cat can easily access its litter box. Understand that cats are extremely picky. If its litter box is not in a convenient location, then your cat might not use it. The area around the litter box should be comfortable and warm to walk on, so make adjustments as needed.
As you read, having a pet cat can be very beneficial. In order for your cat to be healthy and happy, you must give it the right care and attention. If you’re ready to take the plunge and adopt a feline companion, keep this article’s information handy!
