Owning a cat can be wonderful, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to get along with! From specific dietary needs, to grooming needs and behavioral challenges, you must consider many different concerns when you have a cat. This article provides some great advice on a vast array of topics to help you deal with your new furry friend.
Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. This could even choke them to death. Hide the cords for safety sake.
Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.
Cats like sneaking 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. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. 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. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.
Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.
Cats are partially nocturnal. Because of this, night time is when they are most active. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.
If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to 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.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.
Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.
Cats love high spots. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. You can have a cat tree or even a strong wall shelf. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.
Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Brush your cat daily. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the fur. It will also minimize hair loss. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.
If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.
Litter Box
The location of a litter box is very important. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. Cats are quite finicky, so it is important to make their bathroom environment appealing them them or risk messes throughout the house. If you are going to put the litter box in a room without carpet, put a mat beneath it to keep the box warm.
If a cat is about to give birth, provide them an area that’s spacious. Labor can last as long as four hours, so stay patient. If the birth takes an excessively long time or you believe a kitten is stuck inside, an immediate visit to the veterinary hospital is essential.
Looking after a cat is a lot of work, but you will also find that owning a cat is a very rewarding experience. By using this information, you can take the best care possible of your cat. All your research will pay off for both of you!