Learn Everything That Goes Into Having A Cat
Poet T.S. Eliot once made a quote about cats. Eliot once stated cats are animals which households depend on. He was not entirely wrong in this statement. A cat who is healthy and behaves well can be a great companion, and he can be an asset to any home. Sadly, it’s not always easy to co-exist with felines. This article can help you figure out how to get along well with your cat.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.
If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
Flea Products
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. Flea products can be especially harmful. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.
Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. 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. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.
It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. A carefully placed cat tower in the kitchen will keep cats away from the counter.
Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn’t going to enjoy the vet bill. Let your cat have food that doesn’t have a lot of magnesium in it. Take a look at the food’s label. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Try to figure out why your cat makes meowing sounds. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. Maybe she wants to go out, or maybe she wants to eat. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.
Cats enjoy climbing on things. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.
If you are bringing home a new cat, make sure to give him time to adjust to your current cat. It usually takes about three weeks. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. Give them a bit more time to begin to get used to each other face to face, too.
Frequent urination outside the litter box may indicate a visit to the vet is required. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.
Every cat loves to have lots of play time. It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. A cats energy might fade over time, but that does not mean that it no longer likes to play. Therefore, be sure you set some time for playing with your cat.
Aired Cats
There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. Long-haired cats can be very high maintenance over the course of the year. Long haired cats often have hairball problems.
Make sure you provide adequate space to a cat that is about to give birth. 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. Bring your cat to her vet immediately if six hours have passed without all the kittens coming out.
Keep cats inside as much as you can, or at least close to you or your home. Studies have proven that cats who live most of their life indoors live longer than outdoor cats. Roaming around the house doesn’t cause as much risk as roaming the wild.
Cat ownership can be challenging at times, but it is always rewarding. Whether your cat is a lazy ball of fur or an active ball of hair, it needs proper care. You’ll hear less meowing and more purring then.