There are some unexpected obstacles that you will face with a cat. If you bring a cat home without first preparing yourself, you will regret it. Just remember, even with proper planning, there will always be unknowns when dealing with cats. This article will help you to be a more responsive and responsible cat owner.
Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. However, if it has a lot of hair, hairballs can occur. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hairballs, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.
If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. To ensure your cat’s trip is pleasant, turn off the music or keep the volume low.
Cats are great pets, but little ones may not understand that they are fragile. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.
You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. You need to learn what their meows mean. They may want outside or may be hungry. Listen to what’s she’s trying to tell you, and you’ll begin to understand her cues.
Do you have dogs and cats? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. That also means they don’t fight about water after eating the food.
Cats love heights. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.
Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. Canned food gives your cat more protein and the water content helps with hydration. Aging cats can chew this easier. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.
Keep a collar with ID on your cat. This is very important for indoor cats. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. Include medical issues if appropriate.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.
Play is an important part of a cat’s life. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. While a senior cat probably won’t be very rambunctious, the right type of toy will get them interested. Enjoy some playtime with your cat.
Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. These breeds are best left to those with the time and energy to do a lot of cleaning. It should also be noted that long haired cats are much more susceptible to hairballs.
Keep your cat healthy, and ensure him a longer life, by keeping him up-to-date on his vaccinations and health check-ups. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. Your cat is part of your family, and you should treat him as you would any other well-loved member of your household.
What you have seen here is tips that apply to cats across the board, regardless of breed. You have learned fundamental ideas on how to raise a happy and healthy cat; however, understand that all cats are different, and you will have to continually change your strategy. Most importantly, enjoy your cat.