You might have already raised a pet in the past. You might have even said that you would never raise another pet, but it’s never too late to look towards the future and adopt a lonely kitten. Adopting cats at the local shelter helps get them off of the streets and back in a healthy home. You should keep a few key questions in mind while visiting your local shelters.
Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. This kind of collar can turn a potentially-dangerous situation into a merely exasperating one.
If your cat is misbehaving, you can influence its behavior in a safe and humane way by using water. Fill a small squirt gun or a spray water bottle with plain water. Give your cat a few light squirts of water when you catch it misbehaving and it will soon learn to stop doing the unwanted behavior.
Check your cats ears frequently for ear mites. You may notice your cat shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot if they have them. They are tiny parasites that look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. If you have more than one cat, they can also travel from cat to cat. See a vet before using any medication on them since their ears need properly cleaned first.
Get your cat sprayed and neutered to prevent diseases and infections that form in the reproductive system. This can also help reduce the chance for overpopulation in the country, as just one male who is not neutered can produce up to half a million offspring over the course of his life.
Give serious thought to spaying or neutering your cat. Your vet can give you the pros and cons of both, but if you plan to keep your cat for a long period of time you should consider this operation. Cat overpopulation is a real problem, and you can do your part.
If you have ever given your cat a bath, then you know how much they shiver when it is over. This is because their wet fur provides them with no insulation. You can help your cat out by using your hairdryer to dry the hair fast. Just remember not to hold it too close and burn your cat.
Cats have an uncanny ability to always find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat to familiarize themselves with the smells of your new place. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. Some of these foods include garlic, grapes, onions and green tomatoes. If your cat eats these things, they could become very sick. In addition, milk can also upset your cat’s stomach.
Protect your cat and your kid by demonstrating the proper way to show affection for the animal. Few things are more appealing to children than the sight of a soft, fluffy cat, and they might be tempted to hug or squeeze the animal. Instead, teach your child to allow the animal to come to you rather than pursuing it. Tell them to use a light touch and avoid making direct eye contact with the cat
Your cat is subject to rabies, fleas and fungus if let to go outdoors. While it is true that even an indoor cat can contract illnesses, they are more prevalent with cats who frequently go outdoors.
The way to take good care of your cat is to groom them often. Use a brush to remove any excess hair. Cats usually enjoy being brushed and will come running to you when they see the brush in your hand. Keep their nails trimmed so they do not grow back and injure their paws.
Make sure to stay up to date on the required vaccinations for your kitty. Vaccinations can prevent serious illnesses, and they are very important to your cat’s overall health. Take the time to visit your veterinarian annually to make sure your pet is always up to date and remaining healthy.
Cats are pretty good at entertaining themselves and are very independent. This does not mean they like to be alone. Make some time to play with your cat. This gives them the bonding they need with their owner. Playtime and love are the two best things that you can provide for your cat.
If you have a senior cat, make sure to consider a senior blood panel at your annual veterinarian visit. A senior blood panel can give your veterinarian a glimpse inside your cat’s body. It can tell about serious conditions, such as kidney failure or a liver that is not functioning properly. Your vet can then make suggestions to help your pet recover from any problems and live longer.
If you are concerned that your outdoor cat may stray away from home, consider having your vet insert a microchip beneath the skin. If you notice that the cat is gone, you can track its location online and recover it more quickly.
If you are thinking about owning a second cat, you need to gradually introduce the cats to each other. Cats are territorial. They need time to learn to trust newcomers to their territory. This could only take a couple of days, but usually it takes at least two weeks for cats to adjust to newcomers.
Shelters are not the only source of local pet adoptions. You can find classifieds in the papers or online where citizens are offering cats, kittens, and everything else in between for little-to-no cost.. Many times, these people are giving these pets away for free in hopes of giving them a good home.
