Cats are marvelous creatures. He said households depend on cats, which is sort of true. A cat is often a valuable member of the family, especially if it is healthy and happy. Sadly, cats can be temperamental. The following advice will help you get along better with your cat.
Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. It is highly recommended that you keep all drape cords pinned in such a way that the cat can’t see them so as to prevent any accidents.
Make sure your cat is always groomed. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. If you do this frequently you’ll be able to help the cat have clean fur. It also stops hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. It is best to always take your cat to the same veterinarian. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs. This definitely applies to flea products. Your cat can die if you use a dog flea product on it. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.
Cats love to be high up. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If you don’t wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.
Treat your cat to a good 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.
Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. Streaming water is your best bet. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.
Feed your pet canned food. Dry food is less expensive, but canned food provides more benefits. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. It’s easier for older cats to chew as well. Speak with the vet, but food in cans tends to be better.
Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. Cats can be very curious and they may escape out of a door or a window. Tags should include contact information for you and your vet. This precaution is especially important when your cat has an existing medical condition.
Taking your cat to the vet regularly to get proper vaccinations and check-ups will ensure that your pet enjoys a long and healthy life with you. Kittens need proper medical care just like young children, and its best to bring them in every so often for health checks to ensure nothing terrible is going on. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.
Dogs are known to way their tails. This means they are content or excited and is normal dog behavior. Cats wag or move their tails from side to side as well, but not for the reasons dogs do. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If this happens while your cat is in your arms, put him down as soon as possible.
If your cat has been declawed, outdoors should be off-limits. Without claws, the cat cannot defend against other animals, which can lead to real issues. The only place for a declawed cat is inside, with you. Even so, only remove the front claws when you do so. Don’t have the back claws removed, since cats don’t use them to scratch up your house.
If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Dogs pant and that is the norm. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. Call your vet, especially if you cat has a history of respiratory problems.
Put tape on furniture to seal it up. If your cat is ruining your upholstery, tape can be a good way to stop your cat from doing so. Some companies make tape specifically for this purpose. By booby-trapping your furniture and putting up a scratching post, your cat will get out of the habit in no time.
Being the owner of a cat isn’t always the easiest thing to be, but it is very rewarding. You need to get to know your cat better so you can focus on the kind of attention it needs the most. With any luck, you will hear more purrs and less meows.