Do you have a cat? If you do, you know how much fun it can be. Cats are not as easy to please as dogs, but they have their own personalities and can be a great pet to have in your home. Here are some tips that will help you take care of this wonderful animal.
Before acquiring a cat, be sure that you have the wherewithal to take care of all necessary vet care. Cats reproduce at an alarming rate, and spaying or neutering is essential to keeping cat population under control. Check spay, neuter and vaccination costs and packages with local vets and clinics and be sure you can afford to give your cat proper medical care.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Cats have a need to communicate with others to show they are part of the family. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.
If you’re taking a trip with your cat, be sure to protect its ears. Cats tend to prefer gentle sounds during the day. Keep your music off, and talk to your cat instead.
Give cat box liners a try. These may not work for everyone, but they can be helpful if they work for you. Line the litter box with one of these liners, and then put cat litter in as usual. If it works correctly, you should be able to gather the liner and dispose of the litter. Unfortunately, sometimes cats just scratch the liner to pieces as they are doing their business.
Sometimes you need to give your cat a pill. Some cats are harder than others, but you should trim their nails first. Then hold the head, open the mouth, and put the pill in. Then blow on the cats face. This will likely make the cat lick its nose, and the pill will go down naturally.
There are a lot of cats that are overweight. An obese cat can end up developing health problems such as arthritis or diabetes. If your cat could stand to lose a pound or two, try cutting back their food a little bit at each feeding. You can also buy some toys and encourage your cat to play and exercise.
Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.
Are you having a hard time getting rid of cat hair? Cats can shed quite a bit; therefore, it’s important that you maintain proper grooming habits by brushing them often. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.
Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. Do not hide the box simply to reduce the smell. 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. Your cat will use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet place and away from smells your cat does not enjoy. If you are going to put the litter box in a room without carpet, put a mat beneath it to keep the box warm.
Do not place the cat litter box in the same area where you place the bowl your cat eats from. Cats want a clear separation between the two areas, so make sure you give it to them. It is not likely you would want to eat in the same place where you use the bathroom, so give your cat the same courtesy.
If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds, choose foods that help the animal to feel full. If the cat acts like it is hungry all the time, you will be tempted to feed (and overfeed) it. Look for cat foods that contain higher amounts of protein and fiber. This also promotes a healthy digestive system, which contributes to weight loss.
Don’t feed your cat too much since this may cause them to acquire health issues later on. Your cat could become obese and develop some health issues. Keep your cat eating healthy and consistent at all times.
Do not allow your cat to leave the house if you are concerned about them catching fleas, getting rabies or coming in contact with poisonous fungus. Indoor cats can experience these problems, but it is much more likely in an outdoor cat.
When looking for a new kitty, do not forget to check your local shelters to find your friend. Shelters are overrun with cats, and many are put to sleep on a regular basis because they do not have homes. These cats make great companions, and they are very much in need of loving homes.
Although cats do not usually need to be bathed, if your cat does need a bath, set a small towel on the side of your sink or tub to give your cat something to make him feel secure. Not being able to get a foothold on slippery surfaces can panic your cat and make the bath more difficult.
Cats can be a lot of fun if they are happy. They might never play fetch with you, but a cat is a wonderful companion. Use the tips laid out in this article to help you to properly care for this furry friend. Then, see if you can search out more tips. The more you know, the better cat owner you will be.
