If you own a cat, or want one, you know how special they are. Since this is the case, you owe it to your feline friend to be a responsible owner and protect it from dangers like infections and parasites. They have needs that are different from dogs, and they should not be treated the same way. Read these tips to help your cat live a long and healthy life.
Groom your cat. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.
You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This will keep them from pouncing on you and trying to play in the middle of the night.
Avoid the chance that your male cat will develop crystals in his system that will come out in his urine by feeding a high quality diet. Your cat will experience considerable pain when he has to pass these crystals, and it’s not an easy (or cheap) problem for your veterinarian to fix. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Look over the label. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.
You may get much better prices on medications online. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. However, if you buy meds for your cat on a regular basis, you can save huge amounts by getting medication via the Internet.
Make a tablecloth for your cats. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.
When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Let them know which rooms and areas your cats should not be in. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.
Don’t let your cat outside. This can compromise your cat’s safety. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If the cat must go outside, set aside a small part of the backyard or front lawn as a place where they can go.
You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. Under five, the child needs to be watched. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Cats may make a small mess outside their litter box. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. If you get mad, they’ll never use the box again.
Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. Food that is dry is cheaper but canned food is better for your cat’s health. Canned food generally provides more nutrients, protein and fat as well as liquids. It’s much easier for older cats to chew it as well. Your vet can give you more information specific to your cat, though canned food is usually better.
If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. Sooner or later, they’ll tolerate and even begin to love each other.
Play is essential to your cat’s life. It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. Your old cat will not play as much but will still appreciate the excitement. Play with your cat and give them the fun time it needs.
Just like any other animal, your cat could easily get infected by parasites. If you take proper care of your pet, the risk can be reduced. By using the methods listed above, you’ll be able to rid your cat of and prevent parasites. You cat will thank you when you do.