Once a cat is adopted, many obstacles may present themselves to the family taking on the new pet. Finding a pet without preparing first is a terrible mistake. There are many problems that you will still face even if you do your homework. This article will help you to be a more responsive and responsible cat owner.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently. This leads to a cleaner cat. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.
If your cat is getting older, you can increase it’s comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. Change it frequently if you like.
If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important 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. This means that they will usually be quite active at night. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.
Litter Box
The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.
Avoid the chance that your male cat will develop crystals in his system that will come out in his urine by feeding a high quality diet. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. This means you should pay attention to labels on food. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.
Those quality-training tips are perfect for all breeds of cat, regardless of age or location. Though the concepts are the same, there will inevitably be variations and a different set of circumstances for each family. Always remember to have fun with your new adopted kitten because that is the most important concept of them all!