Cats are great, but they’re not cheap to take care of. Vet bills, toys, food, and cat litter costs can make anyone reconsider owning cats. The following article has some great advice to help you care for your cat.
Small places are spots cats love to get into. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Scratching Post
The claws of a cat can really destroy parts of your house and furniture. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower. You should scold your cat when it scratches your furniture and direct its attention to the scratching post or tower. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.
It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. A cat tower near your kitchen can give them a place to watch you that is out of the way.
Contact Information
Get a microchip for your cat. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. You can use a microchip instead; you can store your contact information in the chip and it will not bother your cat. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Read the label. Poultry-based foods are generally lower in magnesium than fish.
While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. You should show them everything from how to properly carry the cat to the best ways to play with it. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.
You should brush your cat on a regular basis. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. It also gets rid of shedding hair. Hairballs can be prevented this way, which often lead to choking. There will be little need for self grooming and hair build up.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. It’s easier for older cats to chew as well. Discuss this with your vet, who may tell you to feed your cat canned food.
If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. Cats may show this behavior if they develop an infection of the urinary tract, or some other health issue. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.
Are you having a hard time getting rid of cat hair? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.
Caring for your cat is fun but it can also be a lot of work. Cats have complex requirements, which leads many people to compare their needs to those of a small child. These tips make it clear that you can care for your cat appropriately while spending less money.
