If you are not familiar with the term, feral cats are those that live out in the street. By learning how to properly care for a cat, you can ensure that they remain healthy. Keep reading for some excellent advice about taking care of your pet.
Drape Cords
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. This kind of collar can turn a potentially-dangerous situation into a merely exasperating one.
If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you. Ensure that you at least put the name of your cat and your personal phone number on this tag.
Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. Any electronic item not in use should be stored away where the cat can’t get to it.
The claws of a cat can really destroy parts of your house and furniture. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. One way to alleviate this condition in your cat is by feeding him special food. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.
Be careful as small kids may treat kittens too roughly. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.
Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.
Drinking Fountain
Provide your cat with a drinking fountain. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
If you just own one cat but are considering obtaining another one, then you should ensure you allow a few weeks for your old cat and new one to become familiar with each other. In the beginning, they may not seem to get along at all. However, cats should eventually learn to co-habitate properly.
Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. Older cats might not be quite as energetic as they used to be, but light play can still be fun for them. Make sure you play with your cat at least once a day.
Is your cat shedding like a madman? Cats can shed quite a bit; therefore, it’s important that you maintain proper grooming habits by brushing them often. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. This can also stop their coats from becoming tangled up.
It’s important to only feed your cat the amount of food that it should have to ensure a healthy life. If your cat eats too much, it may end up being overweight and have health issues. Carefully monitor your cat’s portions to make sure they eat a balanced diet.
Now you know how to care for your cat properly. You will find that a fun cat is a great addition to your family. Just remember that cats are delicate creatures that need to always be handled with love and affection. You may even discover a stray cat that makes you smile!