Cats are naturally curious. Although they tend to want their own space, at times they don’t mind being close to you. They can be confusing sometimes, but there is nothing like a purring cat on your lap. Here are some great ideas to help you with your furry friend.
Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help. Adoption fees often include things like spaying or neutering them, shots or other vet care. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!
Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. They will learn your cat’s history best.
Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. Therefore, use a breakaway collar that will come undone whenever it’s being pulled very tightly. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.
Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some cat foods are specially formulated to help reduce hairballs, which is good for both you and your pet.
If you have to travel with a cat you should remember their ears. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.
Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.
Create a tablecloth for the feline. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. Sometimes this will make the area around the bowl messy, and you’ll have to clean it. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. Cats come to harm outside every day. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. Cars, people, or animals could hurt your beloved pet. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Cats enjoy high places. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.
When something seems amiss with your feline friend, speak with other cat owners. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.
A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. This is very important for indoor cats. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.
If you wish to add another cat to your home, give it a couple weeks for your old cat and your new cat to grow accustomed to each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. But, eventually, they will get used to the idea, and begin to tolerate, and even enjoy, each other’s company.
Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. This sort of behavior is common among cats with UTIs and other health problems. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.
Certain foods may be fine for you to eat daily, but not for your cat. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic and green tomatoes. These foods will cause indigestion or much worse for your cat. Milk also often upsets your cat’s stomach.
It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. Only use medicine that has been prescribed or recommended by a vet. If you give a pet something that it shouldn’t take, you could injure it or even kill it.
Cats have a surprisingly acute sense of smell, making it easy for them to detect change in their environment. This can cause problems when making changes in diet and surroundings. Do not be concerned if your cat does not accept these new items immediately. Once the cat gets used to the smell of the new item, quickly he or she will get accustomed to it.
Avoid overfeeding your cat because this can cause many health issues. Eating over the normal amount can cause them to develop serious health problems or become obese. Make sure your cat’s diet is well-balanced.
If you worry about your cat getting rabies, fleas or getting exposure to fungus, don’t allow them to go outside. This is not saying indoor cats cannot be affected by some of the same things, but outdoor cats are more susceptible.
Even if your cat stays inside full time, a tagged collar is a good idea. Cats are smart and will try to get out whenever they get the chance. By requiring your pet to wear a tag on the collar, you can be more confident that you will be reunited if the cat escapes.
Cats can be odd birds at times, but their loyalty is unmatched. Use these suggestions to make both of your lives more comfortable. When you know how to take care of your cat, you’ll both be happier.
