Cats are fantastic pets, but there are certain things you need to know to care for them in the best way possible. A little self-education can transform you into the kind of responsible cat owner that keeps their feline friends happy and affectionate over the course of a long and healthy life. The following tips will help you out.
Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Bake a one-foot tile made from terra cotta in the oven at 200 degrees F for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap it tightly in a towel and place it under the cat bed. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.
Litter Box
Pick a good spot for the cat’s litter box. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic. In addition, it does not need to be near the cat’s food. Put it in a ventilated area to reduce odors. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.
Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.
Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. To assist your cat if it has this problem, you should get food that’s special. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.
Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. 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. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Be sure to read the ingredient label. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.
Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.
Brush your cat at regular times. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.
Cats are wonderful pets, but must be properly cared for. Good cat owners will review this piece often and take its advice to heart. With good, solid practices and lots of love, you can have a truly happy cat that lives a long life.