Cats are a popular pet for millions, and they deserve love and proper care. To be a responsible cat owner, you need to educate yourself on the best ways to care for your cat and find the best advice to make sure your little feline friend enjoys many great years with you. Keep reading for some great tips every cat owner should know about.
Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. This can save all “nine” of your cat’s lives.
If your cat is getting older, you can increase it’s comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot. Heated in your oven around 200 degrees, it can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. Replace it every three hours or so.
Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.
Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. If your cat has hair that’s long it could get hairballs. There are foods which help combat this problem. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hairballs, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. Read the labels. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.
Watch kittens around kids. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.
Litter Box
Cats do not need to be taught how they should use the cat litter box. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.
Brush your cat at regular times. Brushing spreads natural oils throughout a cat’s fur, and also helps stimulate blood flow in their skin. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. This helps keep those hairballs from building up in your cat’s stomach.
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
Feed your cat quality cat food. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Cats need meat, not vegetables.
New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. They may fight with each other initially. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.
Aired Cat
Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. The hair may be a gorgeous thing to behold, but it will require a lot of maintenance. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.
Cats are great pets, but they need proper care. Read this article as many times as needed. With a little TLC and effort, your cat can have an amazing life.