If you had the chance to save an animal’s life, would you do it? Millions of cats are out there and need a home. To save a life, consider adopting one of these lovely animals and giving it a loving home. This article will teach you how to care for that new cat once you bring him home.
Keep your cat groomed. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. Also, this can eliminate the constant shedding that you will deal with. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline’s bed. Change it regularly if you need to.
Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. Be very careful with the flea products you use. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. Most vets and all shelters can scan these chips to get your contact information and there is no risk of losing the chip.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.
Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. Younger children cannot fully understand how to properly handle a small pet. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.
Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Place a blanket or favorite toy inside the carrier to make your cat more acclimated to the carrier. Eventually, the cat will go into the carrier naturally and feel comfortable. A cat who is used to a carrier will not mind traveling, meaning it will be a much less stressful experience for them.
Drinking Fountain
Think about getting a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
Use canned food for your cat. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. Canned foods are also richer in fat, proteins and will help hydrate your cat. Aging cats can chew this easier. Speak with your vet, however generally speaking, canned cat food is better for your cat.
Make sure your cat has identification and a collar all the time. Even if your cat is a house cat, this is still a good idea. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.
If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. Silky, long hair can be stunning, but that fur won’t look as pretty when it’s on your sofa, clothes, and carpet. These breeds are best left to those with the time and energy to do a lot of cleaning. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.
Your cat should be kept inside whenever it can be near the person who owns it. Free-ranging cats who spend most of their time outdoors have a shorter lifespan than those that are raised and accustomed to indoor living. Exercising every day with the owner doesn’t come with the risks of disease or attack that other cats face roaming the wild.
Adopting a cat is a wonderful thing to do. You’ve given a good home to an animal in need. The relationship between you and the cat you care for can last a lifetime. When you love your cat, it will love you back.