Cats are great animals and they can be a fantastic member of the family. Owning a cat is a challenge, however. There are special needs that a cat owner should be aware of, even if they have had other pets. Cats are not the same as other animals. Read on to find out more.
You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the cardboard rolls that are used for paper towels. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. A carefully placed cat tower in the kitchen will keep cats away from the counter.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. 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. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.
Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Your cat needs plenty of exercise. Too many cat owners forget this simple fact. If your cat is bored, it might develop a depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors or ruin some of your furniture. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. Give them a cat tree to play with.
Put the litter box in an ideal location. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. Choose an area that is well-ventilated to avoid bad smells. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.
Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Cats need a social life with people just like you do with other people. Make her feel like she is part of your family.
Do your best to determine why your cat is meowing. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. You’ll learn her cues quickly.
Feed your pet canned food. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. They have more water, protein and fat too. It is easier for older cats to chew. Go ahead and talk to your vet, but canned food is favorable for cats.
Is your cat shedding like a madman? Cats are big shedders, so you should brush them frequently. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This also prevents matting and tangling.
Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. Your cat is part of your family, and you should treat him as you would any other well-loved member of your household.
Litter Box
Try relocating your cat’s litter box if it’s refusing to use it. Cats feel vulnerable when relieving themselves, so make sure the litter box is in a secluded spot. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.
Chemicals that have phenol in the should not be used around a cat. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. Cats hate the smell of phenol, and for good reason. Long term exposure to it can cause cats to have live issues.
You should never medicate a cat with something that was meant for humans. If your cat is suffering from a medical condition, be sure and take them to a vet to get the proper medication. When you make the mistake of giving any type of human medication to your cat, it can kill them or cause them some other type of grave medical misfortune.
Hairballs can definitely be a problem. Brushing your cats fur should be your first step, but if that doesn’t help, here are a few additional tips. Add one teaspoon of pumpkin to your cat’s food. You can mix the pumpkin with a bit of water from a can of tuna. There are foods that inhibit hairballs which have fiber in them. They might take care of the issue.
Cats are very popular as pets in nearly every corner of the globe. Take the time to learn the best way to take care of a cat so that you can fulfill your obligation as its owner. Read this article again if need be. You will be thanked by your cat.
