Cats make wonderful pets. They offer companionship, clean themselves and are easily trained. The tips below are what every owner must know to have a happy life with their cat.
Good grooming is important for cats. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. For the most consistent pet care, choose one veterinarian and stick with them. You won’t have to worry that the vet won’t have all of your cat’s medical records.
It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see what’s going on around the house. You may mitigate the problem by providing designated heights for them to use. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can often save up to 50 percent by shopping online.
Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Spend time instructing your children on cat care. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.
Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. This habit means you will end up with cat food on the floor to clean up. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. They’re doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. Punishment can make your cat fearful in your presence.
Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Positive reinforcement is a better training tool for cats. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. This will teach your cat that the carrier is a good thing. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.
If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. This sort of behavior is common among cats with UTIs and other health problems. You can solve this problem thanks to some very affordable antibiotics.
Keep products containing phenol away from your cat. This chemical is present in many household cleaners, such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. It causes liver problems in felines.
You should never medicate a cat with something that was meant for humans. Go to a vet if there are problems, don’t self diagnose. Providing your cat with a human medication can seriously harm them, and it just might kill them.
Hairballs can definitely be a problem. Brushing your cats fur should be your first step, but if that doesn’t help, here are a few additional tips. Consider mixing cat food with a single teaspoon of pumpkin. Mixing the pumpkin up with water drained from a can of tuna (again, one teaspoon’s worth) may also help. Many cat foods have extra fiber or other items that solve this issue.
If possible, have your cat eat dry food. Kittens need the wet food, however, due to their small teeth. As the adult teeth grow in, hard food can help to clean and strengthen the teeth. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.
Trips to the vet are necessary, however those bills can pile up quick. You can save money on medications by ordering them online. There are a number of businesses that will ship the medication right to you. This can be great for monthly medications and flea treatments.
Think about your cat and how it should be strictly one that remains inside. Cats that spend time outdoors generally don’t live as long, probably because they are more likely to get sick or get into an accident. Some diseases that outdoor cats acquire can also be passed along to humans. To fill your cat’s need for the outdoors, give him a window in a sunny spot to sit at.
Owning a cat is quite rewarding. These animals can be very loving and help you reduce your stress. In order to make your cat’s life (and your time as a cat owner) happy and healthy, you have to be prepared to be a responsible owner. Be sure to use the advice above so that you and your cat can coexist for years and years.