Cats are usually hard to please. You may not fully understand their preferences for years after you adopt them. With the right techniques, you can improve your abilities as an owner. You should keep reading for some useful tips that will help you become a better pet owner.
Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. It does not matter if you an indoor cat; if she gets out when in heat, you can end up with many kittens. Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.
Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.
Contact Information
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Every cat needs exercise time and play! But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
Put the litter box in an ideal location. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. Your kitty will thank you.
If you want to let your cat outside, think again. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. Because of this, you should keep your cat’s food in a high spot that your dog won’t be able to reach. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.
Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old. They simply lack the maturity to comprehend the harm they can potentially do to kittens. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.
Cats enjoy being high up. For a happy cat, make sure you establish a safe environment for them to scan their surroundings. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. Put a blanket on it so they can rest peacefully.
Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. They respond better to encouragement. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. In time, the cat will head inside and be happy. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.
Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. It sometimes has more benefits over dry. They have more water, protein and fat too. For older cats, canned food chew easier. Can food is generally better, but consult your vet first before feeding it to your cat.
The advice you’ve read can help you care for your cat. Make sure you use these tips to make your cat healthy and happy. Perhaps your cat will then decide to warm up to you. This is a possibility!