If you could save a cat’s life, would you? Many, many cats are waiting for a loving home. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about adopting and caring for a cat.
It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. They will learn your cat’s history best.
Cats like sneaking into small spaces. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. This kind of collar can turn a potentially-dangerous situation into a merely exasperating one.
Spay your cat as soon as she is old enough. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
Flea Products
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. This is especially true of flea products. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.
An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.
Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Electronics with thin cords must be put out of reach when they aren’t being used.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise. Too many cat owners forget this simple fact. 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. You need to give it new toys regularly and make sure your cat has plenty of space to run and play. If they are indoors, give them a scratching post or something to climb on.
Do you have dogs and cats? Dogs will eat cat food right up. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This can prevent squabbles over water when their food is gone.
Cat Owners
If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. You may try to handle it yourself, but you might need input from other cat owners. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Be sure to brush or comb your cat’s fur on a regular basis. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. It can also reduce the amount of loose hair they have. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
Feeding your cat the proper canned food is ideal. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. It is easier for older cats to chew. Your vet can give you more information specific to your cat, though canned food is usually better.
Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. Do not hide the box simply to reduce the smell. It is equally important that the litter box is readily accessible to your cat, though. It helps to make life easy for the cat, as they can be quite picky about things. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.
Adopting a needy cat is something to be proud of. You have offered to give your home and your love to your animal. The bonds between a cat and its owner can last a lifetime. Take great care of your cat and it will be rewarding.
