Having a cat in your home can be a wonderful experience. Being a cat owner is an enjoyable venture in life. Use the tips that you’re about to read to help you provide the best care.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Cats require physical activity. Many owners just don’t have time. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.
Litter Box
The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.
When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. Therefore, keep your music or other sounds at an acceptable level.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. Teach them about appropriate activities and how to gentle pick up the cat. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.
Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. You can often get great advice from friends and family. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.
Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Cats never respond to punishment the way that dogs do. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Place a loved blanket and favorite toy into a carrier and then leave the door open. Make sure it’s in an area that the cat frequents. The cat will enter it on its own. This makes transporting much easier.
You should install a small drinking fountain for your cat. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Streaming water is your best bet. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.
Make sure your cat is always wearing a collar with proper identification tags. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that’s open invites exploration. The tag should have your name and address and also your vet’s. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.
If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.
Is your home covered in your cat’s fur? Brushing your cat regularly can fight the constant shedding that often can occur. If your cat sheds a lot, you need to brush it more often. This will lessen the amount of hair around your home and it will keep them from getting knots in their hair if they have medium or long hair.
Cats are excellent pets but being a cat owner comes with certain responsibilities. To help you cat stay happy and healthy learn the proper procedures for caring for your new pet. Use all the tips you read in this article and find more sources you can use to learn more about cats. Your cat will be grateful!