There are a lot of cat owners out there that really should learn more about taking care of their cats. If you’re someone that owns one or wants to own one, there are some things you need to know. Read over these tips and you should have no problem with caring for your cat.
Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This also allows the vet to become more familiar with your cat’s unique health needs and personality.
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.
Keep your cat healthy and non-finicky by introducing a varied diet. Always purchase several different brands of food and rotate them. In this way, your cat will be used to trying and accepting new tastes. If one food brand goes out of business, you will always have lots of other acceptable choices to offer.
Cats are hunters by nature. They love to chase mice and other small animals and insects. Buying little fuzzy mice filled with catnip and batting them around with your cat is a great idea. Your cat will feel as though they are really hunting prey. This will also help you to connect with your cat better.
If your cat is pregnant, set up a comfortable, safe place for her to have her kittens. A big cardboard box equipped with a pillow and blanket is good. Place it in the back of a closet or other out of the way place. Keep food and water dishes nearby.
Have your cat spayed or neutered. Pet overpopulation is a growing problem, with millions of homeless cats and kittens euthanized every year. Besides the problem of too many kittens and not enough homes, unfixed cats can have a multitude of behavior problems. Males who are not neutered at a young age often start spraying to mark their territory, and females who are allowed to come into heat yowl incessantly as they try to escape to find a mate. Kittens can begin to breed as early as 4 months of age, so get your new kitten spayed or neutered as soon as possible.
Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.
You should brush your cat on a regular basis. This helps spread out the cat’s natural oils in their fur and stimulates blood flow in the skin. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. This avoids the hairball problem, which may lead to choking and a buildup of hair in the stomach.
The chances are good that your cat will come running for their favorite treat. There are many different recipes out there specifically for homemade cat treats. This is a fun way to spoil your cat. There is also the benefit of knowing what exactly your cat is consuming, to ensure that it is healthy for them.
If you’ve just met a cat, don’t look at them in their eyes. Cats do not like being stared at by people they don’t know. That’s why they are more comfortable if you are not looking at them. They are more likely to approach you that way, and more likely to kindly regard you in the future.
It is possible that placing the litter box in a new part of the house will help your cat to bond with it. Make sure to put it in a quiet spot in your house. A basement or laundry area might be a good option.
Put a collar around your cats neck that contains your name, address, and number. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, there is that small chance he or she might get out one day. If this should happen, you will have a better chance of getting your cat back home.
Keep cats inside as much as you can, or at least close to you or your home. Free-ranging cats who spend most of their time outdoors have a shorter lifespan than those that are raised and accustomed to indoor living. Going outside may give your pet some exercise, but the risk of disease or injury outweighs that benefit.
To keep your cat using the litter box, always keep it clean. No matter what kind of scented or special formula litters you may use, nothing is a substitute for removing clumps and used litter several times a day. Keep your litter box in a quiet area of your home.
It is a good idea to consider making a cat an indoor pet exclusively. Outdoor cats die younger and end up sick quite often. Some of the illnesses can actually be passed along to members of the household. Make sure kitty has a nice, sunny window to enjoy instead.
Now you can probably see that it’s really pretty simple to care for a cat. While they can be a handful when you first get them, it becomes easier over time. Use what you have learned in the above paragraphs to better care for your feline friend. It’s a great pet to have and your cat will love you for a long time!
