There are so many reasons to enjoy having a cat. Having said that, if you are a cat owner, understand that it requires some work. There are special considerations that need to be considered when you own a cat. This article is full of information regarding those particular responsibilities. Keep reading for some very helpful insights you can apply today.
Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.
Keeping your cats away from the counters can be hard. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them. Provide your cat with a few high places it can uses. Keep your cats off the kitchen counter by placing their towers near the kitchen or even in it.
Litter Box
Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic. In addition, it does not need to be near the cat’s food. The area should also be well ventilated so that it doesn’t smell too badly. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.
Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.
Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. You may love belting out your favorite tunes as you drive on the freeway, but your cat probably enjoys softer sounds. Therefore, try to turn down your music or keep if off altogether so your cat has a better trip.
Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.
If you give your kids a kitten, provide them with firm boundaries at the same time. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. If you’re planning on keeping your kitty inside full time, make sure your kids know their pet shouldn’t go outdoors. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.
As you can now see, cats can bring you much joy. In order to provide a home that a cat will find comfortable, stable, and healthy, you need to be prepared to take responsible steps. Consider the information presented here to make the most of your relationship with your new kitty.
