A cat is an inquisitive, affectionate, loving addition for any family, and adopting one can add a great deal of quality time to your life. Cats love new cat toys and fun little games, so think about them when you are out shopping. Spending money on a cat’s entertainment is not necessary, but it is fun sometimes. Keep these tips in mind for a good outcome.
Take your cat to the vet every year. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
Dog Products
Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. Keep them separated by at least one door for a few hours after treatment.
Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. There may be some cases in which you cannot buy online, such as in an emergency. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. You should show them everything from how to properly carry the cat to the best ways to play with it. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.
Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.
If you want to let your cat outside, think again. It can be unsafe. They may acquire fleas or much worse things. They might get injured by some other animals, vehicles, or people. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Cat Owners
If you’re having an issue with your cat, try to get some input from other cat owners. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. There are online cat forums that allow you to ask questions as well.
If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. When you give the same thing day after day, it becomes boring.
If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.
Feed your cat top quality food. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.
You need to provide your cat with a drinking fountain. When cats are out in the wild they like to drink running water, and this is true in your home as well. Cats respond well to this stream of water. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. A fountain keeps the water moving without letting any go to waste.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
You could be having fun with your cat right now, playing one of the games listed above. These tips won’t work for every cat, but most felines will find them to be favorable. Healthy, vigorous cats tend to have longer lives.