If you were able to save a cat’s life, would you? There are plenty of cats who need a home. If you have always wanted to know how to adopt a cat, this article can help you.
Look a local animal shelters for cats. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. Adopting from a pet shelter benefits the cat population.
If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.
Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.
Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Nearly every vet and shelter owns a scanner which can read a microchip, and since they’re implanted, there isn’t a risk of the chip falling out or getting lost.
Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Make sure that you teach your children the proper way to handle a kitten or cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.
Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Brush your cat’s coat often. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.
Get your cat used to a carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Your cat will start to venture into their carrier more often, until they are completely comfortable with it. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.
Don’t scrimp when it comes to your pet’s food. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.
Cat owners should be proud of loving their cats so much. You’ve given a good home to an animal in need. You new little friend will be there for you for the rest of their lives. Take good care of your cat and she will be your companion for years to come.
