It is very enjoyable owning a cat. It must be remembered that owning cats requires plenty of work. Responsibilities come with the happiness a cat brings to you. This article highlights some of the jobs that you will have. Continue reading to learn some excellent approaches to caring for your feline friends.
Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Do your best to keep the same vet for your pet’s entire life. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.
If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.
Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime. But many cat owners ignore that need. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.
Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.
Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. Always read labels. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online. But, if you’re having to buy pet medication regularly, you will be able to save up to half the price if you buy online.
You must take caution when leaving your cat with any children. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. They don’t know what harm they can do. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.
Cat Owners
If you’re having an issue with your cat, try to get some input from other cat owners. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.
Brush your cat often. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. It also loosens hair that is about ready to fall out. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.
Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. Punishment affects cats differently from dogs. They need positive reinforcement. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat’s usual haunts. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.
You should feed your cat food out of a can. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. Your cat can get more water, fat and protein from canned food. It is easier for older cats to chew. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.
Make sure your cat has identification and a collar all the time. Even an indoor pet should have this. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. Include your vet’s info as well as your own on the tags. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.
If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. They may fight with each other initially. Sooner or later, they’ll tolerate and even begin to love each other.
Litter Box
If you’re dealing with a cat that won’t use the litter box, you should place it somewhere else. The cat instinctively feels vulnerable when using the litter box, so make sure it’s in a location that’s totally quiet and safe. Basements, laundry rooms, and other low traffic locations are a great choice.
Your cat will thank you if you avoid phenol in your cleaning products. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. The smell is pretty offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage.
While you must use the vet for particular needs, those bills sure can stack up. A great idea is to order your cat medication from an online website to save money. Some places will even ship the medicine directly to your home. You can purchase ongoing medications for fleas or even treatments for heartworm from these websites.
Bringing another pet into the home can end up initially upsetting your cat. It is best to keep the other animal away from your cat at first. The new smell is something your cat will need to adjust to. Once a few days have passed, give your cat some supervised time with your new pet.
The potential benefits of cat ownership are, it’s worth stating again, numerous and wide-reaching. However, if you’re wishing for a good life for your pet, you need to learn to care for it well. Make certain to apply your new-found knowledge if you are thinking about adding a feline to your family.
