Taking care of a cat is complex. As soon as you obtain a cat, you discover that figuring them out is a life long process. But even if you don’t know how to make your cat happy, you can take excellent care of them if you know what you’re doing. Read on for ideas and insights for caring for your feline friend.
You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.
Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. This can save all “nine” of your cat’s lives.
If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Spaying a cat can prevent this.
If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.
Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them. Therefore, you should create high areas for resting. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. 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. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Be sure that you read the label. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.
If you have to travel with a cat you should remember their ears. While you may like some good tunes, your cat is going to appreciate other things. Therefore, try to turn down your music or keep if off altogether so your cat has a better trip.
Cats and small children may not always mix. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Teach them about appropriate activities and how to gentle pick up the cat. The bones of a cat are weaker than a dogs, therefore, they should be handled with care.
Use care if you have kids and a cat. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.
Cats love high spots. Make sure your cat has a safe place to play. You can use a cleared shelf if you’d rather not have a cat tree. Make sure that this area is comfortable for your cat.
Be sure to carrier train your cat. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. Encouragement is a much better strategy. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.
Even if you’re not able to make your cat happy, you can still be a great cat owner with these tips. These tips can also keep your cat healthy and strong at all times. The your cat may finally start to be a little more welcoming. It might happen!