There are few pets as rewarding to own as a cat. Cats are energetic and a constant source of information. They’re also excellent defenders against household pests, like mice. Do your best to keep your cat in good health and happy; they will help to protect your property!
Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. A collar that will breakaway is the best idea for safety. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.
If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.
Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.
Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Make sure that you teach your children the proper way to handle a kitten or cat. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your kids know where the cat can go. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.
Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. There are online cat forums that allow you to ask questions as well.
Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. Cats can’t be punished like dogs. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.
Drinking Fountain
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. When cats are in the wild they tend to prefer water that is running when they are thirsty, this applies to cats at home. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. In fact, the running water in a sink garnishes more attention from a cat than their water bowl usually does. Installing a drinking fountain for your cat is a more eco-friendly way to provide it with some running water.
If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. While long haired cats are soft and look great, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
Chemicals containing phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Not only do cats intensely dislike the smell, the chemical can also cause liver damaged if they are exposed to it for a lengthy time.
Your cat should remain indoors and near your home. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. Cats who live indoors are less likely to contract a disease than those who live outdoors.
When compared to dogs, cats may not seem like top hunters, but cats pay close attention to smaller creatures. Cats often are better hunters than dogs. With so much going for them, the cat’s popularity is easy to see.