If you want a wonderful pet, look no further than a cat. This article is especially helpful for people who have never been a cat owner. The tips that follow regarding owning a cat are truly priceless.
Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters have great pets available for adoption, and the fee isn’t that high. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!
Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. It is best to always take your cat to the same veterinarian. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.
Small places are spots cats love to get into. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. Put a breakaway collar on instead. This will help you save your cat’s life.
Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.
Never let a cat become bored. Every cat needs exercise time and play! But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. Give them a cat tree to play with.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
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. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Look over the label. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Let your kids know where the cat can go. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.
Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.
Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. Cat usually respond well to streams. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
Frequent urination outside the litter box may indicate a visit to the vet is required. This may be a symptom of an infection of the urinary tract or another health problem in your cat. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.
Getting a cat is great decision. They can help you to unwind and can bring you a great deal of comfort. However, in order for them to give their best, they need to be properly cared for. Make use of this article’s excellent advice to improve the level of care you can provide for your cat.
