Cats are great pets when you know what it takes to care for them properly. A little self-education can transform you into the kind of responsible cat owner that keeps their feline friends happy and affectionate over the course of a long and healthy life. The article you’re reading has plenty of great advice about caring for cats.
Move any drape cords out of a cat’s reach. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them. This may harm or kill them. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. This can keep your cat alive.
When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.
If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. Sadly, many cat owners do not understand the importance of this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. If they are indoors, give them a scratching post or something to climb on.
Try figuring out why the cat is purring. When your cat is a member of the family, their sounds start to become familiar to you. This makes it easy to determine what various meows might mean. It could be she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.
Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. Find your child’s age of maturity when it comes to handling pets.
Cats love heights. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. Additionally, you can place a bed or blanket in this space.
Cat Owners
If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. There are also forums on the Internet which cater to cat parents.
Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. Include your contact number along with the name of your veterinarian. This is crucial if your cat requires special medical attention.
Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.
If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. A cat has instincts that tell it when it goes to the bathroom it is vulnerable. This is why a box should be placed in an area that is quiet and safe. A couple of good places to put your cat box are your basement and laundry room.
Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. These foods include grapes, onions green tomatoes and garlic. If your cat eats these things then it can become ill or even die. Milk is something that can hurt your cat’s stomach, so beware of that too.
Cat care starts with a good education. Good cat owners will review this piece often and take its advice to heart. If you take good enough care of your cat you can be sure that it has a life that is well worth living.
