If your cat isn’t taking a nap, it needs a way to stay busy. If left unchecked, cats tend to climb on furniture and scratch your belongings. Prevent this from happening by investing in some cat toys. Learn from this article about how to properly care for your feline friend.
Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. This is especially true of flea products. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.
If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.
The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. Put it in a ventilated area to reduce odors. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.
Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.
Brush your cat’s coat often. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This will help to eliminate hairballs, which build in your cat’s stomach and prevents it from grooming itself.
Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.
Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. Cats can’t be punished like dogs. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat’s usual haunts. This will teach your cat that the carrier is a good thing. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
Don’t buy cheap cat food. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats are naturally carnivorous. If you want to keep them healthy and happy, you need to feed them plenty of animal protein.
If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. However, if you allow them to slowly get used to each other, they will eventually become friends.
A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. As a matter of fact, exercise is crucial for all animals. Older cats do not have the same energy level as younger ones, but they still like to play a little. Play with your cat and give them the fun time it needs.
Is there cat hair everywhere? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. The more your cat sheds, the more often you want to give them a good brushing. This also prevents matting and tangling.
Check your cat if they suddenly stop using their litter-box. There are a number of health issues that can lead a well-trained cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. Issues like a kidney infection are often behind such behaviors. You should take your cat to the vet if you think there is something wrong with your pet.
Don’t give your cat medicine intended for humans. If your cat is ill, you need to take him to the vet to get proper treatment. Giving cats medication meant for humans is very dangerous and could even kill them.
Panting is something that you may encounter with your cat. Dogs pant and that is the norm. Panting can indicate overheating or anxiousness; however, it can indicate health issues as well. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.
Never let your cat venture outside if something like rabies, fleas or fungus makes you nervous. While it is possible to be exposed to certain things in the house, the cat is less likely to come into contact with them if he doesn’t go outside.
Many cat owners think that they need to give their cats baths in order to prevent them from getting dirty. In their ordinary day-to-day lives, though, cats seldom get dirty enough to require bathing. Cats are addicted to being clean and spend a lot of time grooming themselves. They have barbed tongues that allow them to remove lots of dirt from their coats. Cats know when they look good.
Be sure your cat receives a tick and flea treatment. Most only need to be applied monthly. Insect parasites will feed on your cat’s blood, and most species have the potential to spread infectious diseases; that’s why medication that inhibits them is extremely important. Ensure you select a brand that is specifically meant for cats. Never use a brand meant for dogs because this can be dangerous for your furry feline.
Cats are very energetic, and a few toys can help them focus their energy. Providing distractions for your cats will ensure that they have a happy life. Use the recommendations of this article to give your cat toys and prevent damage to your favorite items.