There is no end to the joys of cat ownership. Make no mistake, though: Being a responsible cat owner involves putting in quite a bit of effort. There are special considerations that need to be considered when you own a cat. This article is full of information regarding those particular responsibilities. Become aware of what the commitment entails, then approach it wisely.
Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. You’re literally saving their life.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat’s bedding. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.
Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.
Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. It shouldn’t be put in an area with high traffic and should be far from their food. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.
Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Be sure that you read the label. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.
Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.
If you give your kids a kitten, provide them with firm boundaries at the same time. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.
Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.
Cats love heights. A happy cat is one that has a safe living environment. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.
If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. By removing the old item and replacing it with a new one, your cat may try to find another item to scratch. This could end up being furniture.
A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. Cats are endlessly curious and may head out an open door or window. Include your vet’s info as well as your own on the tags. This is especially true for cats with medical conditions.
The potential benefits of cat ownership are, it’s worth stating again, numerous and wide-reaching. But to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy, you must give it the care it needs. Be sure and use the information provided if you are considering making a cat a part of your life.
