Cats are great animals and they can be a fantastic member of the family. As the owner of a cat, it is important that you learn how to properly care for them, so they can be healthy and live longer. Go over this article to find out more about how you can care for your cat.
Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!
It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything. Give them an alternative. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. They probably would like to feel as though they are a wanted part of the family.
Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Choose a low magnesium food. Read the label on any food you choose. Poultry-based foods are generally lower in magnesium than fish.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.
Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat cat food right up. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.
Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. A common misconception is to rub your cats paws into the kitty litter however this isn’t a good idea.
It is important that your cat always where a collar that identifies them. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. Cats love to explore, and if they see an opportunity to go outside, they will take it. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. This is very important if your pet is likely to get lost or has some medical needs.
If you’re adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.
If you want a cat with long hair, be prepared to put in extra time and care. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Your cat needs to get some shots regularly to prevent different illnesses and parasites. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.
Make sure you provide adequate space to a cat that is about to give birth. The birth of the kittens will take approximately four hours, so use a little patience. If the time has surpassed six hours and your cat is not finished, take a trip to your vet.
Relocating the litter box can often help curb a problem with cats that refuse to use it. Cats know that during the elimination process they are left somewhat vulnerable, so moving the box to a more private area should help. Low-traffic areas like basements and laundry rooms are great places to put the litter box.
Dogs will often wag their tails to show their happiness or excitement. Cats wag their tails for very different reasons than dogs though. If your cats tail is wagging, it could indicate that the animal is facing a fight-or-flight situation. It also suggests possible conflict or uncertainty. If you’re snuggling your kitty and you see its tail wag, it’s a sign you should put it down before you get scratched.
Do not overfeed your cat since this can lead to a lot of health issues in the future. Eating a lot more than normal can lead to your cat becoming obese and developing a serious illness. Monitor your cat’s meal portions, and be sure he is getting a well balanced diet.
Try putting sticky tape on the furniture if your cat decides to scratch it. The tape can stop your cat from scratching. You can find this specific material at your local pet store. The tape throws the cat off when it starts to scratch the furniture. In addition, buy a scratching post to satisfy the cat’s instinctual need to scratch.
Cats are awesome pets, as previously described. Being a good caregiver will guarantee that your cat live a healthy, productive life. Take advantage of all the suggestions this article provides. Use this information to keep your cat happy and healthy.