Cat are definitely amazing as pets, but they are also amazingly finiky! From specific dietary needs, to grooming needs and behavioral challenges, you must consider many different concerns when you have a cat. This article provides some great advice on a vast array of topics to help you deal with your new furry friend.
Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. Adopting from a pet shelter benefits the cat population.
Properly groom your cat. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. Doing it constantly can help you keep their coats clean. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.
If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
Cats are partially nocturnal. This means their behavior is quite active during the night. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.
Make sure that you never neglect your cat. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.
Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.
Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. When cats are out in the wild they like to drink running water, and this is true in your home as well. Cats will respond more positively to streams of water. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. It is easier for older cats to chew. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.
Anytime you get a new pet, you must introduce them to your cat slowly to help to avoid problems and let the cat get used to it. Keep them separated for at least two weeks, but let them sniff at each other under a closed door. In the early days, you may see a lot of posturing from the cats including hissing and swatting at each other. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.
Pay attention if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box properly. It may be the sign of an underlying medical issue. They’re trying to tell you something is wrong. A quick course of antibiotics can head off dangerous complications if you get your cat diagnosed and treated early enough.
Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? Cats do a lot of shedding, and it helps to brush them. You should brush your cat quite a bit of they are prone to shedding. This keeps the coat from matting, too.
Take your cat for vaccinations often to make sure he or she is healthy. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. Your cat will be a valued member of your family, which means treating it just as you would other loved ones.
Don’t ever declaw cats that go outdoors. Without claws, your cat is essentially defenseless against other animals. This is a dangerous situation for the cat. If your cat is an outside cat, do not have it declawed. Even so, you will only want to get the claws up front removed. Don’t remove the back claws. This will help ensure that your cat remains safe in case it gets outside, and back claws will not scratch any furniture.
Owning a cat means a fair amount of work on your part. You can care for your cat best with the tips in this article. The research will reward you both!
