Cats are very fascinating, and they also are great pets. It is essential to educate yourself on how to properly care for your cat. Read these tips to get the most enjoyment out of your cat.
Keep your cat groomed. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. Do this often in order to aid in keeping your cat’s outer coat clean and healthy. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.
It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
Products Designed
You should not use products designed for other animals. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat. Flea products should not be used on cats in any circumstance. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.
If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.
Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. One way to alleviate this condition in your cat is by feeding him special food. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.
If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. The best way to find out is to read the label. Poultry-based foods are generally lower in magnesium than fish.
If you’re looking for good prices on cat medications, check online sources. The prices will usually be substantially better than at your vet. There may be some cases in which you cannot buy online, such as in an emergency. Most of the time, you will get great discounts if you purchase on the web.
Reconsider outside time for your cat. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat could get parasites, or worse. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.
Cats enjoy high places. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. Putting a soft cat bed on the shelf can help to add a little comfort.
You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. You can often get great advice from friends and family. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Litter Box
Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.
Think about extra care before you take home a cat with long hair. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. Don’t get a long haired cat unless you’re prepared to do a little extra cleaning. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.
Be mindful of where you place the litter box. Many cat owners feel inclined to hide the litter box. The litter box needs to be placed in a spot that your cat can reach very easily. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.
Pay attention to your cat’s litter box habits. If it stops using the box, medical problems could be to blame. There are a number of health issues that can lead a well-trained cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. Call the vet if your cat refuses to use the litter box.
Cats are excellent pets but being a cat owner comes with certain responsibilities. Knowing how to properly care for your cat is essential to make sure he has a long and happy life with you. Keep the tips you’ve read here in mind and enjoy your feline friend. Your cat will love you more for this!
