If you want a wonderful pet, look no further than a cat. Those that haven’t owned cats before should read the article below. Here you are going to find some ideas on how to properly care for a cat so he or she can live a happy life.
Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat’s life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Wrap it tightly in a towel and place it under the cat bed. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
Flea Products
Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. It is possible that a dog’s product could cause a serious adverse effect on a cat. Flea products are a great example of this. Canine flea products can be lethal to a cat. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
Think about putting a microchip in your pet. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.
Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.
Cats love being up high. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. Additionally, you can place a bed or blanket in this space.
Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. The cat will be fearful of you if you punish it.
If your cat’s scratching post looks old and worn, don’t throw it away immediately. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. If you throw it away, you may find your cat scratching on other surfaces.
You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Don’t give your cat foods that have corn or other elements that have no protein. Cats are carnivores, so if you want them to be as healthy as possible, you need to be sure they’re eating enough animal protein.
It’s important that cats get play time. After all, everyone likes to play. Older cats do not have the same energy level as younger ones, but they still like to play a little. Playing with your cat will help you to form happy and cherished memories to look back on.
Haired Cats
Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. While long haired cats are soft and look great, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. Unless you have time to dedicate to cleaning up their fur, don’t get long haired cats. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.
If your pet is avoiding its litter box, try moving it to a different spot. Cats perceive using the bathroom as an activity that makes them vulnerable, so moving the litter box to a less-trafficked area means your cat is more likely to use it. A basement, laundry room, or another area that doesn’t experience much household traffic is the ideal spot for the litter box.
Refrain from cleaning or using chemicals in the vicinity of your cat. This chemical is often found in cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. It causes liver problems in felines.
Choosing a cat for your pet might be one of the best decisions you will ever make. They are a source of comfort and reduce stress. You have to give them all they need to he happy and healthy, though. Make sure to utilize the tips above in order to live in peace for a long time.