Cats are amazing friends and companions. If you’re considering adding a cat to your family, read this article. If you have never owned a cat before, read these tips for important information.
Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. This means that they will usually be quite active at night. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This will ensure you sleep much better, without cats jumping into bed with you.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. Make them feel at home.
Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Feed cats food that’s low in magnesium. Read the label. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.
Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You cat is used to being at home and it might shock him to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.
Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. To make clean up a breeze, use a place mat underneath the bowl or a piece of fabric. You’ll be able to pick it up easily and shake the excess food into the trash.
Try figuring out why the cat is purring. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. You should pay attention to these cues and you will eventually learn to decipher them.
Splurge on your cat’s food. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Avoid brands that use non-meat fillers like corn. Your cat is a carnivore, and for proper nutrition, he should have a food high in animal protein in order to keep him at his best.
Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. This is essential even for indoor cats. Cats are endlessly curious and may head out an open door or window. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.
Your cat needs good play time. All mammals love to play. Although older cats won’t be as active as younger cats, they still need a little exercise. Enjoy your cat every day.
A long-haired cat comes with a great deal of extra care. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. If you can handle the extra grooming and cleaning time, then a long haired cat might be a good choice for you. Long-haired cats usually suffer from hairball problems too.
By getting your cat the shots and check-ups that it needs, you’ll be able to make sure that your cat lives as long as possible. Kittens need proper medical care just like young children, and its best to bring them in every so often for health checks to ensure nothing terrible is going on. Your cat is a member of your family, so treat them like any valued member of your home.
Don’t use products with phenol in a house with a cat. Many household cleaners, like Pine-Sol and Lysol, contain this chemical. This smell is very offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can even damage their liver.
Keep cats inside as much as you can, or at least close to you or your home. Indoor cats live longer and have less illness and pests than outdoor cats. Roaming around the house doesn’t cause as much risk as roaming the wild.
Beware of panting. Panting is completely normal in dogs. Panting sometimes means your cat might be overheated or perhaps anxious, but it also can sometimes mean something even more serious. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.
So, you have a cat or you are thinking about getting a cat. They are great at relieving stress and are very comforting. You cannot expect to fully enjoy the company of your pet if you are unwilling to take care of it. Use these tips to achieve a great relationship.