Cat ownership can be joyful and rewarding. Cats can, however, take a lot of commitment and time. There are various responsibilities that cat owners must know. The following article will explain to you those responsibilities. Keep reading and discover valuable tips that will improve your pet ownership experience.
Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.
Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.
If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.
Don’t use dog portions for your cat. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. Flea products should not be used on cats in any circumstance. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.
Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. Some required information on the tag would be the cat’s name and your personal phone number.
A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. 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 minuscule, but can hold all the essential information about your cat and its hope. 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 allow your cat to get bored too often. Cats need stimulation. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Give them toys and things to do. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.
Create a tablecloth that your cats can use. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.
Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Make sure your children are aware of rooms that are open to your cat. If your cat is going to be one that stays inside, let the kids know that it’s not allowed outside. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.
Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. Food that is dry is cheaper but canned food is better for your cat’s health. That’s because this type of food provides your cat with more protein, good fat and water. It’s also much softer on older teeth if your cat is getting up there in years. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.
Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.
Litter Box
Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. This could be a side effect of a health problem. Kidney or bladder infections may be the reason. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
Put a breakaway collar on a cat with an engraved tag. Even an indoor cat can get out. They have to be able to get home again.
Never allow your cat to be exposed to phenol chemicals. Pine-Sol and Lysol contain this ingredient. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.
Keep your cat inside as often as you can. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. Daily exercise with you doesn’t need to create risks for other cat attacks or diseases from the wild.
There are many great benefits that a cat brings to the table. Of course, the only way to experience this is to provide everything your cat needs to be healthy and happy. If you see cat ownership in your future, put these tips to good use!