A cat can make a wonderful addition to your family. If you are considering adding a cat to your household, read here about what is involved. There are plenty of great pieces of advice that would be of use to any potential cat owner below.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. Check the label. Fish products are usually higher in magnesium.
Though cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Teach your children how to handle a cat. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. Keep in mind that a cat’s bones are much more fragile than a dog’s.
Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Let your kids know which rooms your cat is allowed in. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.
If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. When your cat is a member of the family, their sounds start to become familiar to you. This makes it easy to determine what various meows might mean. She will let you know when her demands are for food or when you need to let her out. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
Cats have a love affair with heights. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.
Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. Although you might want to take care of things on your own, advice from other people with cats can be a big help. 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.
Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. Encouragement is a better way to get your cats to perform. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. Your cat will start to venture into their carrier more often, until they are completely comfortable with it. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.
Canned Cat
Your cat should be given food from a can. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. It is easier for older cats to chew. Speak with your vet, however generally speaking, canned cat food is better for your cat.
If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. There are a number of medical issues that can cause your cat to suddenly stop using their box. If your cat is not using the litter, kidney or bladder problems and infections may be the problem. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.
If your feline friend is having kittens, make sure to give her lots of room to birth in. Delivery can take between three and four hours. If the time has surpassed six hours and your cat is not finished, take a trip to your vet.
Litter Box
Try moving your litter box somewhere else if the cat won’t use it. The best place for a litter box is in a secure, quiet area. Cats feel vulnerable when they’re using it, so they want it to be in a place where they feel safe. Some great examples of such locations are basements, laundry rooms or any other less frequently used room in your home.
When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. When a cat wags its tail, it means something very different. A cat wags its tail when it is upset. It’s especially important to keep an eye on your cat’s tail when you’re holding it. If you see it start to move, it’s time to put your pet down before you wind up getting scratched!
Have your cat sport a collar that includes information regarding the owner’s name, address and telephone number. This should be done even with an indoors cat. The animal could get out. If this occurs, make sure they can return home.
The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. A few unhealthy food items for cats are green tomatoes, grapes, garlic and onions. Your cat can get very sick from eating these foods. Refrain from feeding your cat dairy products as well.
Choosing a cat for your pet might be one of the best decisions you will ever make. They bring great comfort to their owner. However, in order for them to give their best, they need to be properly cared for. Taking the advice contained in this article means your cat is sure to live out a long lifespan.