Of all the pets that you could choose to own, cats are on the top of the list. However, people who are unfamiliar with cats need to educate themselves on proper ways to raise a cat. The tips below are what every owner must know to have a happy life with their cat.
Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. Taking a cat home with you means that a life has been saved.
In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.
Dog Products
It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Dog flea prevention products will kill your cat. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.
The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. This will keep both you and your cat happy.
Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. Long hair encourages hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.
Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!
You must take caution when leaving your cat with any children. 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. When your children age, you will realize when they’re able to deal with a pet.
Cats enjoy climbing on things. Make sure your cat has a safe place to play. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.
Keep old, worn scratching posts. To your cat the post is just right. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.
There are some options for a cat with hairballs. Mix about a teaspoon full of pumpkin into your cats’ food. Another thing that works is a one teaspoon of the water that’s in a tuna can mixed with the pumpkin. There are foods that inhibit hairballs which have fiber in them. They might take care of the issue.
If you have been at home with your cat for an extended period and then return to work, it is quite possible that your cat will show signs of loneliness. You can purchase another cat to keep it company when you are away.
If possible, have your cat eat dry food. As kittens, cats require wet food because of their tiny teeth. As they develop adult teeth, the harder dry food helps to keep their teeth strong. You can also mix wet and dry food together if your cat is really picky.
Owning a cat is quite rewarding. They offer lots of comfort and can be stress relievers. In order to make your cat’s life (and your time as a cat owner) happy and healthy, you have to be prepared to be a responsible owner. Consider the advice listed above, and help to give your cat a high quality of life while you enjoy his company.
