When they take in a cat for the first time, many families run into challenges they never considered beforehand. Never take on a pet unless you are prepared to be responsible. Even with the most preparation, it can still be tough to anticipate everything a cat might do or need. The best thing to do is to read this article, but be ready for anything.
Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.
Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. Close your bedroom door if your cat is driving you nuts at night. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Choose a low magnesium food. Be sure to read the ingredient label. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. This creates extra work since you must then clean up the leftover loose food. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.
Cats like to be up high. A happy cat is one that has a safe living environment. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.
Litter Box
Don’t try and teach your kitty how the litter box is supposed to be used. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. Certain techniques, such as rubbing the paws of your cat in the litter could actual traumatize your cat.
You should not get rid of your cat’s old scratching post. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.
Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. The moist food gives your cat water, and it usually has more protein and fat in it. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.
You need to carefully consider where you put the litter box for your cat. You are surely tempted to put it where the smell will affect your surroundings the least. However, if you hide it from your pet he might not try very hard to find it when he needs to go to the bathroom. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.
When dogs are excited or happy, they will wag their tails when they see their owners. Cats wag their tails, but definitely not for the same reason. Tail wagging in a cat usually indicates a mental conflict that your cat is mulling over, such as deciding whether to flee or attack. Likewise, if you are holding your cat, and he suddenly starts to wag his tail, you may need to let him down to avoid swats or scratches to yourself!
Make sure your cat stays inside as much as it can, near to both its home and its owner. It is shown that cats trained inside that then spend the majority of their lives inside tend to live longer than cats free to roam the neighborhood. You can exercise your cat by playing with it.
If you are planning to go back to work after being home with your cat all the time, it’s possible he may get quite lonely there without you. One tried-and-true way to keep a cat from getting lonely is to pair it up with another cat.
Health Problems
Make sure your cat does not get more food than it needs to prevent health problems. The extra weight can directly cause health problems now and in the future. Monitor the portion sizes of your cat’s meals, watching to see that they are well balanced meals.
Such training concepts are useful for all types of cats. They are the basics on which your plans should be based. Having fun with a new cat is the most vital concept!
