A cat can make a welcome addition to your family. Cats are enjoyed as pets by millions, but they need to be taken care of properly. They have needs that are different from dogs, and they should not be treated the same way. Continue reading for some great tips.
Groom your cat. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments. It is best to always take your cat to the same veterinarian. This also allows the vet to become more familiar with your cat’s unique health needs and personality.
Cats like sneaking into small spaces. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. This can save all “nine” of your cat’s lives.
If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. A spayed cat is a safe cat.
You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.
Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Cats require plenty of exercise. Many owners just don’t have time. Cats who become bored often have issues that can affect them in a big way. Some of these issues are obesity due to eating out of boredom, OCD issues, fighting with other pets and depression. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. If your cat has this issue, try changing his food. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.
Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Give your cat foods that are low in magnesium. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.
When your cat is riding with you in your car, ensure you keep their ears in mind. You and your cat probably have different ideas about the ideal volume for the car stereo, for instance: Remember that your cat’s hearing is more sensitive than yours. Keep your music off, and talk to your cat instead.
Cats enjoy being high up. To keep your cat happy, offer him a spot of his own up high where he can survey his kingdom. If a cat tree is not in your future, providing a stable shelving unit with no small items on it will do very well. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.
Just like any other animal, your cat could easily get infected by parasites. A parasitic problem will not fix itself. You can take measures to get rid of or even prevent parasites. Your cat will be happy that you did.