When they take in a cat for the first time, many families run into challenges they never considered beforehand. You should not adopt a cat until you are better prepared. Even when you are prepared you might run into some issues. Reviewing tips like those found below is very helpful; just remember to ready yourself for some surprises along the way!
Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!
If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.
Normally cats are nocturnal animals. They are often active at nighttime. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.
Give your cat plenty of love and affection. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.
It’s often cheaper to buy medicine for your cat on the Internet instead of through your vet. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.
Why is your cat meowing? After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.
Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. You may not have noticed a problem when you see them together, but very kids do not really understand they can accidentally harm or kill a kitten. When children get a little older, they develop the skills needed to be around small animals.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. If you feed them the same cat food every day, they may not accept anything else. This makes it difficult to find food they’ll eat when a store runs out of a certain brand, or you are traveling.
Treat your cat to a good quality cat food. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.
Litter Box
Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. Some feline health problems may cause your cat to refuse to use their litter box. These conditions include kidney and bladder problems. If this happens, you are advised to take your cat to the vet.
If your cat is prone to hairballs and additional brushing has no effect, you may be able to resolve the problem in other ways. Try mixing a teaspoon of pumpkin with your cat’s food. In addition to the pumpkin, try one teaspoon of water from a can of tuna. Some cat foods even have anti-hairball benefits.
Cats can contract many illnesses that you do. Because your pet is a family member, you are around them enough to know when they are not feeling very good. Have a vet look at your cat if you suspect this. Tis will set your mind at ease, ruling out the most serious diseases and illnesses.
The excellent advice provided here is helpful for any cat regardless of its breed or age. You have learned basic information that makes raising a cat much easier. Remember though, everyone’s cat and circumstances are different requiring certain adjustments. Just remember to enjoy every minute with your adopted kitten no matter what.