The joys of owning a cat are endless. However, as with any pet there is a lot of care involved when looking after a cat. There are various responsibilities that cat owners must know. The article presented here has a lot of useful (and even vital information) for anyone who has or plans to get a cat. Keep reading to learn all you can.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
Cats enjoy getting into spaces that are small. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. It can really be a life saver for your cat.
Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Check the label. Cat food with lots of fish tends to have more magnesium, while products with lots of poultry tend to have less.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat cat food right up. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.
Cats love being up high. For a truly happy cat, provide a safe place for your cat to survey his surroundings. If a cat tree is not in your future, providing a stable shelving unit with no small items on it will do very well. The cat will especially enjoy it if you put a blanket on top.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Cats can’t be punished like dogs. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Therefore, place your cat’s favorite toy into its career. Leave the carrier open in a location that your cat frequently visits. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.
If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. This is the condition that cats like the most. Ditching the structure may alienate your cat, making it more likely to turn elsewhere in your home for its scratching needs.
If you are bringing home a new cat, make sure to give him time to adjust to your current cat. It usually takes about three weeks. They might hide from each other or hit each other. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. Immunizations can prevent your cat from attaining viruses or diseases. You have made your cat a family member, and you have to treat your cat accordingly.
If you have a female cat that is in the process of giving birth, make sure you provide her a spacious area. It will take about three to four hours for all of the kittens to come out, so be patient. If, after six hours, you think there are still kittens stuck inside your pet, a trip to the vet is in order.
Litter Box
One way to get a cat to use the litter box is to move it to a different place in the house. Instinctively, cat’s will search out a safe place to eliminate, so try relocating the litter box to a quiet and secluded area. Basements, laundry rooms, and other low traffic locations are a great choice.
There are things you can eat that your cat cannot. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes. Your cat can get sick after eating these foods. Too much milk can also be a bad thing for a grown cat.
If you own a declawed cat, do not let it outdoors. Your cat may be seriously injured or killed because they are not prepared to defend themselves against another animal who may attack them. An indoor cat can be declawed. Even with that, only their front claws should be removed. The back claws are left because these won’t scratch your furniture or floors.
Keep an eye on your cat if he or she is panting. With dogs, this is something that is common. Your cat may pant if it is anxious or overheated, but panting may also indicate a more serious problem. Be sure you get in touch with a vet, especially if your animal has had problems with breathing before.
Avoid overfeeding your cat, as it can lead to many health issues. Overeating can cause obesity in your cat, which can cause serious illness, similar to people. Do not overfeed your cat and follow your vet’s recommendations on the types of foods to feed him.
Cats can get sick in some of the same ways you can. You will be able to tell when the cat isn’t well. You should have your vet check out your cat. It can be dangerous to avoid taking your cat to the vet when it is sick because there may be serious conditions that need checking. A vet can check for these.
Cat ownership brings many benefits. However, you must properly care for your cat in order for both of you to be happy. Keep this information in mind if you want to bring a cat into your home.