Much like humans, cats need a good diet consisting of foods that will give them the proper amount of nutrients. When they don’t get the right foods, they can get fat and sick. This article will teach you how to properly care for your cat.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.
If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Most cats prefer to be mostly nocturnal. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. Close the door to prevent the noise from getting to you. This will keep them from attacking your toes.
Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. Make her feel like she is part of your family.
A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Read the label on any food you choose. Cat food with lots of fish tends to have more magnesium, while products with lots of poultry tend to have less.
Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. They don’t want to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. Turn down the music and let the cat rest.
A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. 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.
Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This will help you to be sure that the animals won’t fight over the water either after they’ve eaten all their food.
Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. Under five, the child needs to be watched. They don’t know what harm they can do. When your children age, you will realize when they’re able to deal with a pet.
Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. You may try to handle it yourself, but you might need input from other cat owners. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.
Drinking Fountain
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats like running water in the wild, as well as in the home. Cats react better to a moving water stream. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.
Be aware that your cat’s diet is crucial for its health and well-being. Just as it is in humans, a cat with a poor diet will have a shorter lifespan and be prone to illness. Treating your cat to everything it wants and needs is the only responsible thing to do as a pet owner.