Cats are curious creatures. They act like they don’t need you; however, they enjoy being around you. They can be confusing sometimes, but there is nothing like a purring cat on your lap. Ahead is some great advice to bring you more joy from your cat.
You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.
Spay your cat as soon as she is old enough. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.
Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. A lot of time cats will take their food from their bowls to eat it on the food bowl’s side. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.
Consider all the options before you let your cat be an outdoors cat. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. Let your cat go out in your backyard and play on your lawn.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.
Take the time to make your cat familiar and comfortable with a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.
Treat your cat to a good quality cat food. Check out the ingredients, and make sure meat tops the list. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats are carnivores, so if you want them to be as healthy as possible, you need to be sure they’re eating enough animal protein.
Feeding your cat the proper canned food is ideal. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. Canned food provides more water content for your cat as well as more fat and protein. This will make it easier for your older cats to digest. Go ahead and talk to your vet, but canned food is favorable for cats.
If you notice your cat urinating more frequently or outside his litter box, then it might be time to see the vet. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.
The best way to make sure that you have a healthy cat is to keep up to date with vaccinations and trips to the vet. Just like kids, kittens must have wellness checks and immunizations periodically to keep health issues and diseases from coming up later. Your cat is part of your family, and you should treat him as you would any other well-loved member of your household.
Confine a sanitary area of the house for your cat to give birth. Delivery can take between three and four hours. Once 6 hours have passed, if all the kittens have not been delivered you should seek the help of a vet.
Litter Box
Relocating the litter box can often help curb a problem with cats that refuse to use it. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.
Don’t use products with phenol in a house with a cat. Many household cleaners, like Pine-Sol and Lysol, contain this chemical. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.
You should always try to keep your cat in your home as much as you can. Research has shown that indoor cats have longer life spans than outdoor cats. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.
Cats may be somewhat mysterious, but they are able to be loyal friends to you. Use the advice you have just read to give your cat the care it deserves. Having cats are great and when caring for them correctly, you’ll have some happy family friends.