Cats make wonderful pets. If you haven’t owned a cat previously, then you definitely need to keep reading. Continue reading for some advice you can use when you live with a cat.
It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. This ensures that your vet knows your cat’s medical history.
In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.
Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
You have to place a litter box correctly. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.
Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. Turn down the music and let the cat rest.
Create a tablecloth that your cats can use. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. Sometimes, this results in food outside the bowl that you have to clean up. Use a placemat under your cat’s bowl or cut some fabric to create a small tablecloth. Shake the placemat or cloth over the garbage regularly.
Cats like to be up high. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.
If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Litter Box
It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.
Brush your cat’s fur regularly. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. Brushing will also help to remove loose hair. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.
It’s important for your cat to get plenty of playtime. Playing is an activity that is very popular with mammals of any age, and this includes cats and people. While a senior cat probably won’t be very rambunctious, the right type of toy will get them interested. Make sure you play with your cat at least once a day.
Be mindful of where you place the litter box. Your first instinct will be to put it in a nook or cranny so that you won’t see or smell it. The litter box should be somewhere that is easy for your cat to get to, however. Cats are quite finicky, so it is important to make their bathroom environment appealing them them or risk messes throughout the house. A litter box located in the basement should be placed on a thick mat or rug.
Put a breakaway collar on a cat with an engraved tag. Even if you have a house cat, there is a chance that he or she may get out. Fitting your cat with a tag and collar greatly increases the chance that your cat will make it home safely.
Some foods that you like to consume daily might not be good for your cat to eat. Onions, garlic, grapes and green tomatoes are among these foods. These foods can make your cat very ill. Milk is another food to stay away from.
Be aware of any panting. Dogs normally pant on a regular basis. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. Be sure you get in touch with a vet, especially if your animal has had problems with breathing before.
Did you obtain cat when you did not have a job and you are now returning to work? If so, then your cat is very likely to get bored and lonely. If this is proving to be a problem, consider getting another cat to keep them company while you’re gone.
It’s best to keep your pet cat indoors. Outdoor cats die younger and end up sick quite often. Some diseases may be passed to human family members. Make sure that any indoor cat has a location to sit in sunlight.
Owning a cat is quite rewarding. They are a source of comfort and reduce stress. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Therefore, utilize the excellent advice found here to ensure that you obtain the maximum enjoyment from your cat.