Cats make the perfect pet for several reasons. They offer companionship, clean themselves and are easily trained. Living with a cat is rewarding but does present some responsibilities unique to the cat species. Read on for useful tips.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
Groom your cat. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.
A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
Take your cat to the vet every year. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.
It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. Cats love being up high so that they can see. You can remedy this by creating some place up high that you can can enjoy hanging out in. A cat tower near your kitchen can give them a place to watch you that is out of the way.
Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.
Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Read the label on any food you choose. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
Reconsider having an outdoor cat. There are many dangers to your cat outside. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.
Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment. They need positive reinforcement. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.
Deciding to get a cat is a great choice. The can offer comfort and stress relief. However, you must know how to take proper care of your cat if you want to live in peace and harmony. Consider the advice listed above, and help to give your cat a high quality of life while you enjoy his company.