If you were given the opportunity to rescue an animal, would you take it? Cats and kittens are often found in shelters, just waiting for a loving family to adopt them. Taking in just one can enrich both your life and theirs.
If your cat is an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.
Give your new cat some space. Moving to a new home can be stressful on a cat, especially one who is no longer a kitten. To help them adjust, give them a quiet place that they can call their own, such as a spare bathroom or laundry room. This gives them a safe space they can retreat to until they have become comfortable with exploring the whole house. Depending on the cat, this process may take a few days up to a month or more.
Never have your cat declawed. Many people misunderstand declawing, thinking it is the simple removal of a cat’s nail. This is not true. In fact, the veterinarian must remove the top knuckle along with the claw during the procedure. This can result in arthritis pain later in life and many behavior problems, such as biting. There are many alternatives from scratching posts to glue-on claw caps that can protect your belongings from a cat’s claws without resorting to such a harsh surgical solution.
Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. They need exercise and they get it through play. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. Cats that are bored may develop obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, or other issues that can harm their health. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.
Use your cat to teach your children responsibilities. A pet demands care that the whole family can participate in. Each child can take different day to feed the cat, for instance. Same thing for litterbox care. You can make a schedule and post it on the refrigerator. Then, everyone knows what they are responsible for.
Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet. They don’t know what harm they can do. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.
Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
When you’re smitten with your kitten, it’s tempting to dole out treats generously. However, treats are meant to be just that. They lack the nutritional value of regular cat food. Treats should not make up more than 5 percent of your pet’s daily diet. Any more than that may prevent your cat from receiving the nutrients it needs for good health.
Switch up cat food flavors. Cats can be notoriously picky eaters. This can be frustrating if a flavor is out of stock or, worse, discontinued. Don’t let your cat get into the habit of eating one food and only one food. Make sure there’s some healthy variety in your cat’s diet.
You do not have to spend a bunch of cash on fancy toys for your cat to play with. Simple things like feathers and string are great for them to play with, and they are very economical. While you can still buy fancy toys if you like, you may get more benefit from them than your cat does.
The way to take good care of your cat is to groom them often. Use a brush to remove any excess hair. Cats usually enjoy being brushed and will come running to you when they see the brush in your hand. Keep their nails trimmed so they do not grow back and injure their paws.
Annual vet check ups are very important for your feline friend. Even if you do not think anything is wrong with your cat, it is important to get your vet to take a look at her, perform blood work and make sure she is free from medical concerns. There are some things that you cannot see with the naked eye, but the sooner your veterinarian diagnosis them, the sooner your cat can find relief.
Having your own pet is proven to make your life happier. You are offering your love and your home to an animal desperately in need of it. You new little friend will be there for you for the rest of their lives. Take great care of your cat and it will be rewarding.
