It is hard to describe how wonderful it is to have a cat. It is naturally a lot of work as well. If you own a cat, there are a number of things you should know about. This article highlights some of the jobs that you will have. Keep on reading for excellent information on caring for your pet.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. You won’t have to worry that the vet won’t have all of your cat’s medical records.
Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. This can make the difference in whether your cat have nine lives or only a couple of them.
Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. Change it regularly if you need to.
Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.
Dog Products
Avoid using dog products on cats. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs. Flea products can be especially harmful. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.
Cats are generally nocturnal. They get very active at night. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. This will ensure you sleep much better, without cats jumping into bed with you.
Try to figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. As you develop a relationship with your cat over time, it will become easier to determine why she is meowing. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. Make sure you are paying attention in order to better understand your cat.
You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Check out the ingredients, and make sure it includes protein, such as meat, as the first item in the list. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.
Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. Cats like running water for drink more than water that is just sitting there. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.
Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. This is likely to be something that should be looked after. Take the cat to the vet if it stops using the litter-box and let the vet diagnose the problem.
Litter Box
If you notice that your cat isn’t using its’ litter box anymore, you need to take note. Abandoning proper litter box habits is often a warning sign of serious health problems in cats. Bladder troubles, kidney ailments, or infections can all cause this sort of behavior. Call the vet if your cat refuses to use the litter box.
Owning a cat can be very beneficial. If you desire for your cat to benefit from a long life, proper care must be provided. If you’re ready to take the plunge and adopt a feline companion, keep this article’s information handy!