Cats make the perfect pet for several reasons. Those new to cat ownership or just interested in cat care should read the following tips. These tips are helpful for all cat owners who want to live a happy life with their cat.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They should have regular check ups annually, and more appointments should be made if they need to get important shots. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.
Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Cats require physical activity. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Give them toys and things to do. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.
Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. They give lots of affection and need some in return. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. It’s also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn’t escape. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Try to figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. Make sure you are paying attention in order to better understand your cat.
Cats enjoy climbing on things. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. You can give your cat on a shelf to accomplish this. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.
If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.
Brush your cat daily. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. It is also a good way to reduce shedding. This is a good way to avoid hairballs, which are a serious health problem since they can cause choking.
You should not get rid of your cat’s old scratching post. You may believe that it’s in terrible condition, but cats typically prefer it this way. If you throw it away too soon, that cat may look to your furniture for some clawing while it slowly breaks in a new scratching post.
Give your cat canned food. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot 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 your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.
Litter Box
If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. There are a number of health issues that can lead a well-trained cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. Bladder troubles, kidney ailments, or infections can all cause this sort of behavior. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.
If you have a pregnant cat ready to birth her babies, be sure she has enough space. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If it’s been over 6 hours and you think there are more kittens inside, they need to see a vet immediately.
Make sure your cat’s collar has important information, such as your address, phone number and name. Cats who stay indoors could still get out. Should this occur, your cat can be returned to you or someone can contact you with his whereabouts.
Cats will smell changes around their home. This may cause issues if they have a new bed, scratching post, or food dish. Your cat will probably not like these items immediately; therefore, be patient. As the smell takes on the smell of your home, your cat will warm up to it.
If your cat has frequent hairballs, and extra brushing hasn’t helped, here are some other tips that may help. Mix one teaspoon of pumpkin into your cat’s regular food. Mixing the pumpkin up with water drained from a can of tuna (again, one teaspoon’s worth) may also help. There are also cat foods that contain an anti-hairball component, usually extra fiber, that may solve the problem.
Avoid overfeeding your cat, as that may lead to health concerns in the long-term. Overeating can cause obesity in your cat, which can cause serious illness, similar to people. Be careful to feed your cat the proper portion amount, and also make sure that his food is packed with vital vitamins and nutrients.
Becoming a cat owner is a terrific idea. They can be comforting and relieve a lot of stress. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your cat will enjoy each other for years to come.