Cats are fascinating animals and make great pets. Their inclination toward independence is ideal for busy folks. Implement the tips in the article below to make sure your cat leads a long and happy life.
Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters have great pets available for adoption, and the fee isn’t that high. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck. Put a breakaway collar on instead. It can really be a life saver for your cat.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. 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.
Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill. Flea products are a great example of this. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.
Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. Buy your cat specialized food to prevent this problem. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.
Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Choose a low magnesium food. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.
If you’re taking a trip with your cat, be sure to protect its ears. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. Therefore, the volume of your music should be minimized, and turn it off completely if necessary.
If you want to let your cat outside, think again. It is dangerous in today’s society. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. When your cats go outside, keep an eye out to make sure they do not wander too far away.
Do you own a dog and cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
Cat Owners
Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.
You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.
Feed your cat top quality food. Pay attention to the ingredient list on any food you feed them. Protein needs to be one of the very first items on the list, while fillers like corn and other grains should be avoided. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats are meant to eat meat, and that means that they need to have foods that are high in protein.
Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Cats out in the wild like to drink from running water, so they would like that at home too. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.
Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. It’s easier for older cats to chew as well. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.
Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. This is important even if your pet lives indoors. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is very important if your pet is likely to get lost or has some medical needs.
There are so many reasons why people love to keep cats as pets. You must responsibly care for your cat in all the ways that it needs. Study the information contained in this article very carefully to learn how to be an ideal cat owner. As a result, your cat will live a happier, healthier life.