If you know what to do to care for your cat, then the cat makes a great pet. Every owner should learn the ways to care for a cat. You will love the amount of cat advice that has been provided to you here.
Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.
If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.
Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.
In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. If your cat is having a health issue or injury, they need to be seen by their vet right away.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.
Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. Show them how to gently pick kitty up and what kinds of activities are appropriate. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.
You must take caution when leaving your cat with any children. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. A child of that age doesn’t realize when they are being too rough with a pet. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.
Litter Box
Take notice if and when your cat ever stops conducting their business in their litter box. Many feline health conditions can cause a cat to urinate and defecate in random places outside of their litter box. A bladder infection is often at the root of the problem. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
If you have a pregnant cat ready to birth her babies, be sure she has enough space. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If your cat has still not given birth to all her kittens after six hours, get her to a vet right away.
Has your cat stopped using its litter box? If so, consider moving the box into another location. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. The best places are basements and laundry rooms.
If your cat’s been declawed, you should never let them outside. Cats without claws cannot stand up for themselves if they encounter another animal. The result could be injuries or death. Only indoor cats should be declawed. However, you should still only remove the cat’s front claws. Leaving the back claws are important so that your cat can scratch themselves.
If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Dogs normally pant on a regular basis. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. You should be speaking with a vet in case there is a respiratory issue.
Try and incorporate dry food into your cats diet. When cats are young, they require wet food due to the fact that their teeth have not grown in yet. As an adult, the harder texture of dry food keeps their teeth strong. Try combining both dry and wet food together should you have a finicky feline.
Place sticky tape on pieces of furniture. This will prevent your cat from scratching the material. Some pet stores sell tape especially for this. You should also provide your cat with a scratching post or a tower it can use instead of your furniture.
Cats make great pets, but you must care for them properly. Cat owners should read this article and use all of its great tips. As long as you put this knowledge to you, your cat will love you every day.