A cat can make a great pet for anyone to own. Those who have never owned cats before should read the following article. Continue reading to find out some excellent advice on how to raise a cat.
If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.
Drape Cords
Keep your drape cords away from your cats reach. This could hurt or possibly cause death. Keep all drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.
You must always take your cat to a vet check-ups. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and overall health assessments. Try keeping the same vet throughout your pet’s life. This one vet knows your cat’s medical history.
Wrap it tightly in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps on. Change it every few hours if desired.
Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. This could save your cat’s life!
Even if she is an inside cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. Having your cat spayed is the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
Be sure your cat has regular checkups at the vet.Cats need routine shots and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are having any issues.
If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
Make sure your cat has a collar if outside.Cats can range far from your home and the tag they could become lost forever. The tag should contain your name and the number for contact purposes.
Think about getting a microchip for your cat. Even indoor cat may find a way out sometimes. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.
Avoid the chance that your male cat will develop crystals and stones by feeding a high quality food. Passing those crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet is expensive. Choose a low magnesium content. Be sure that you read the ingredient label.Products that contain fish in magnesium over ones containing poultry.
When you get a cat for your kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Make sure everyone understands which parts of rooms that are open to your cat. Setting the rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.
Try figuring out why your cat is purring. After you have lived with your cat for a while, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. When you understand what each type of behavior indicates, then may grow to understand the cat all the more.
Frequent or misdirected urination may indicate a trip to your vet’s office. Cats sometimes behave like this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other medical problem. Some inexpensive antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.
Cats love to be high up. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. Put a blanket on it so they can rest peacefully.
Are you having a hard time getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair? Cats are known for shedding, you need to brush them on a regular basis. If your cat is shedding a lot, you will need to brush him just as much. This will help to prevent tangling and it will keep them from getting knots in their hair if they have medium or long hair.
Litter Box
Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
Think about where you put the litter box. It’s sometimes tempting to keep it in an inconspicuous place where it won’t be seen or see it. Make sure that your cat can easily reach the litter box very easily. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a mat or rug down underneath it.
Pay attention if your cat does not use their litter box. There are a number of health conditions that can cause your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. A potential bladder or kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the box when they suddenly associate it with pain due to their medical condition. Speak with a veterinarian if your pet stops using the litter box.
Is your cat shedding like a madman? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.
Choosing a cat as your pet is wonderful. Cats are great for reducing the stress in people’s lives. But you’ve got to understand how to properly care for your cat. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your cat will enjoy each other for years to come.