Although cat ownership is often delightful, it also comes with its share of challenges! Every decision you make regarding your pet’s care has a consequence, be it good or bad. Read on for ideas and insights that will benefit you, your cat, and your entire household.
If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.
Cats will try to get into many different crevices. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. This can keep your cat alive.
If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.
Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
Cats can have nocturnal tendencies. Because of this, night time is when they are most active. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.
Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. Cats tend to prefer gentle sounds during the day. Turn down the music and let the cat rest.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Let them know which rooms and areas your cats should not be in. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.
Try to figure out why your cat meows. After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns. It could be she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.
You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. This is essential, even for indoor pets. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. This is also important if your cat has special medical 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 will probably hide from each other, hiss or even attack each other. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.
Don’t use products with phenol in a house with a cat. Lysol, Pine-Sol and many other products contain this chemical. The smell offends them and being exposed to it for several hours can cause liver problems.
Your cat will thrive if allowed to say indoors. Indoor cats typically live longer than those who live outside. Outdoor cats face numerous predators and are at a higher risk of disease.
Don’t have an outdoor cat declawed. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Declaw your cat if you plan on always having it inside. It is important to note that if you are declawing a cat, only the front claws on the cat should be removed. Leaving the back claws is no problem since they won’t scratch your furniture or floors.
Caring for a cat is sometimes quite involved. Use what you learned here to be the best you can be. Everything you learn will improve the quality of your life and of your pet’s!
