The famous poet T.S. Eliot wrote on cats. 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. Not all cats will be like this. Have a better time living with your cat through these tips.
If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!
Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.
Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. Flea products are a great example of this. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.
A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. These days, pretty much all shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read these chips, and because they’re beneath your pet’s skin, they won’t ever get lost.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.
Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. If your cat seems upset or agitated, turn down the music and speak calmly to him.
Use care if you have kids and a cat. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. You may not have noticed a problem when you see them together, but very kids do not really understand they can accidentally harm or kill a kitten. Once the child is older and more mature, decide if they are ready for the responsibility of handling animals.
Litter Box
Cats do not need to be taught how they should use the cat litter box. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
Don’t buy cheap cat food. Check out the ingredients, and make sure it includes protein, such as meat, as the first item in the list. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.
Cats need to have play in their life. As a matter of fact, exercise is crucial for all animals. Older cats might not be quite as energetic as they used to be, but light play can still be fun for them. Take time to have fun with your cat.
Confine a sanitary area of the house for your cat to give birth. Since there are so many kittens, the birthing process can take a few hours. If it’s been over 6 hours and you think there are more kittens inside, they need to see a vet immediately.
You should get a collar with your contact information and make sure your cat wears it all the time. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, there is that small chance he or she might get out one day. If your cat were to escape, it’s important for them to get back home safely.
While cats can be finicky and demanding, loving and taking care of a cat can be 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.
