Cats are wondrous creatures and are fantastic pets. They are independent and have a busy life, even if you’re not at home all the time. The tips below will ensure your cat is as happy as it can be.
Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. A collar that will breakaway is the best idea for safety. It can really be a life saver for your cat.
If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. You should wrap it with a towel and place it under the bed your cat uses. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
Female Cat
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. This will especially be true if it’s a product for fleas. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Let your cat have food that doesn’t have a lot of magnesium in it. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Fish products are usually higher in magnesium.
Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Teach your children how to handle a cat. Demonstrate how the cat should be petted and handled and encourage your children to be very gentle. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Cat’s will often remove food from their bowl to eat it. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. It’s easier to clean up this food by purchasing a placement and inserting it under your cat’s food bowl, or you could simply cut some fabric and make it into a tablecloth so you can easily pick up the food and throw it away.
There needs to be set boundaries with your children and a new kitty. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.
Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. A child of that age doesn’t realize when they are being too rough with a pet. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.
High quality cat food is important to your cat. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.
If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.
Does it seem like your cat’s hairs are everywhere you look? You have to brush your cat to avoid their shedding. The more hair you see on the ground, the more you should pull out the brush. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.
Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. This could be a side effect of a health problem. A bladder infection is often at the root of the problem. You should take your cat to the vet if you think there is something wrong with your pet.
Litter Box
If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. A cat will be more inclined to use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet and safe area in your home. Basements, laundry rooms and other quiet spots are best.
Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. Without claws, your cat is essentially defenseless against other animals. This is a dangerous situation for the cat. Indoor cats are the only type of cat that needs to be declawed. If you do choose to have your cat declawed, only the front claws should be removed. Keep the back claws intact, since they can’t do damage to your furnishings and flooring.
Cats make great companion animals because they are smart, cuddly and curious. Of course, this only applies if you are prepared to put forth the time and effort to care for the animal. Remember the included information and you can be the best cat owner imaginable. Do this to ensure your cat has an enjoyable life.