It isn’t easy to adopt a cat and quickly get up-to-speed on how to care for it. It is a bad idea to get your pet first and then make plans. Even if you are an experienced cat owner, there are always things you can learn to take better care of your cat. Using these tips is a great solution to help you get prepared for what to expect in owning a cat.
Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. They need to be brushed every day. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. Also, this can eliminate the constant shedding that you will deal with. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.
Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar. Put a breakaway collar on instead. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
Most cats are very nocturnal. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This will keep them from pouncing on you and trying to play in the middle of the night.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
Always watch a kitten around small kids. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. Young children are not yet mature enough to realize what behaviors are dangerous to a cat. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.
Acclimate your cat to its carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. Positive reinforcement is a better training tool for cats. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.
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. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.
The tips you just read over can help any cat owner, no matter what their cat’s breed is. There are certain common problems that arise when raising a kitten, but some cats will exhibit unique problems. Remember to have plenty of fun and give your cat plenty of love and attention.