Once a cat is adopted, many obstacles may present themselves to the family taking on the new pet. You should not adopt a cat until you are better prepared. Even well-educated cat owners are often faced with unexpected challenges. This article will help you to be a more responsive and responsible cat owner.
If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.
While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. Tell them how to be gentle. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.
Don’t let your cat go outside. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. Cats can become infected with fleas, ticks and ringworm. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, or get injured by a vehicle or another person. If your cat really wants to go outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.
Use a brush on your cat regularly. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. It also loosens hair that is about ready to fall out. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.
Scratching Post
Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. By throwing away an old scratching post and replacing it with a newer one, your cat will likely look for older items to scratch, such as your furniture.
Give your cat canned food. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. It is easier for older cats to chew. Speak with the vet, but food in cans tends to be better.
The excellent advice provided here is helpful for any cat regardless of its breed or age. They are basic ideas relating to raising small cats in all sorts of circumstances. Remember to enjoy your new kitten because that’s the most important part of the process.