Cats are fantastic pets, but they may be very finicky. Some need special diets, and that is only the beginning. The information below will help you raise a happy and healthy feline friend.
Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This may harm or kill them. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.
Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat. When this occurs, your cat could get pregnant. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
Litter Box
Pick a good spot for the cat’s litter box. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.
Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.
Cats love being up high. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. You can use a cleared shelf if you’d rather not have a cat tree. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.
Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.
Brush your pet often. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. It will also minimize hair loss. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.
Be sure to carrier train your cat. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. They need positive reinforcement. Put a nice blanket inside the carrier then leave it where the cat is most often. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.
Every cat should have a collar with his name on it, the owner’s name, and a phone number. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, there is that small chance he or she might get out one day. Fitting your cat with a tag and collar greatly increases the chance that your cat will make it home safely.
Cats have a great sense of smell, which helps them easily grasp changes to their environment. This can be troublesome sometimes if you’re trying to feed the cat new food or give it new toys. Don’t be discouraged if your cat decides to ignore these items at first. They’ll get used to it given time.
Dry food is best for adult cats. Wet food is appropriate for young kittens because they have still-developing teeth which are small and delicate. When the adult teeth develop, dry, hard food will help make teeth stronger. If your cat happens to be a picky eater, mix up the dry food with wet food.
Cats can get the same colds you do. You will probably be able to tell if your cat isn’t at 100 percent. You should have your vet check out your cat. A seemingly minor illness might really be something far more serious.
Being a pet owner means you have to be responsible. Use these tips to become a better cat owner and to really enjoy it. All your research will pay off for both of you!