Cats are fascinating pets. Their inclination toward independence is ideal for busy folks. If you have a cat or are considering getting one, take a look at the handy advice below so that you can be a better owner and give your pet the quality care it deserves.
A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat’s life. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.
To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. Change it regularly if you need to.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.
Scratching Post
Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Redirect your cat to the scratching post when they start to go after your furniture. Catnip can be put in the posts or on the tower to help train the cat to use it. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.
The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. Additionally, don’t make the mistake of putting it in a poorly-ventilated area, or the smell will become overpowering. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.
Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s actually incorrect to rub a cat’s paw in the litter.
Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. This will be important even if you have an indoor cat. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian’s information as well. Include medical issues if appropriate.
If you decide to declaw your cat, never allow it to go outside. Cats without claws cannot stand up for themselves if they encounter another animal. The result could be injuries or death. The only cats that should be declawed are indoor cats. However, you should still only remove the cat’s front claws. Leaving the back claws are important so that your cat can scratch themselves.
Don’t give your cat medicine that is meant for humans. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. Refrain from giving cats any medication not intended for them.
Your cat needs to eat dry food most often. Kittens need wet food due to having small teeth. As they develop adult teeth, the harder dry food helps to keep their teeth strong. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.
Sticky Tape
Try putting sticky tape on the furniture if your cat decides to scratch it. A bit of sticky tape on your cat’s favorite scratching spot can quickly make the act less enjoyable for them. You can even get this kind of a tape from a pet store. If you place the tape on the furniture and add a scratching pole, your cat should stop scratching your things.
If you worry about your cat getting rabies, fleas or getting exposure to fungus, don’t allow them to go outside. An outdoor cat is much more likely to be affected by these dangers than a cat who stays indoors all the time.
Cat are great pets due to their intelligence and independent attitude. Of course, this only applies if you are prepared to put forth the time and effort to care for the animal. This article has provided you with a great base of information. This lets your cat be happy for a long time.