Cats are fascinating animals and make great pets. Cats are so independent, which works out great for you if you’re not home all the time. You can improve the quality and quantity of your cat’s years by following the guidelines below.
Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
You have to place a litter box correctly. It shouldn’t be put in an area with high traffic and should be far from their food. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Be sure to read the ingredient label. Fish products are usually higher in magnesium.
Why is your cat meowing? Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. You’ll learn her cues quickly.
Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.
Scratching Post
Although your cat’s old scratching post may look very worn out, you shouldn’t throw it away. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.
Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Some foods contain a lot of fillers like corn products, don’t buy those. Cats need meat, not vegetables.
Your cat needs to always wear some tags on a collar. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. The tag should have your phone number on it. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.
When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.
Litter Box
Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. The cat has to be able to easily access the box. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. If you keep the litter box on a cold cement floor, put a mat or rug down underneath it.
If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
It is important to designate a big and comfortable area for your cat to deliver her kittens. It will take about three to four hours for all of the kittens to come out, so be patient. If you believe your cat is still giving birth after six hours, you should immediately drive to the vet’s office.
Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. When a cat wags its tail, it means something very different. Tail wagging in a cat usually means he is thinking of attacking or running away. If you happen to be cuddling with your cat when the wagging occurs, be prepared to loosen your grip!
If you were home all the time when you first adopted your cat and are now going to be out of the home, your cat might get lonely without you there. To help avoid boredom, consider bringing another cat into the household.
Do not overfeed your cat since this can lead to a lot of health issues in the future. Overeating can cause your cat to get very sick, in addition to becoming obese. Watch your cat’s portions and make sure that you feed him a well-balanced diet.
Keep an eye out for places you want the cat to stay away from. Cats can get through minuscule gaps. This is particularly true for kittens. Make sure you know where all the holes in your house to help protect the kitten before it comes home. When you find a hole that may be dangerous, make the necessary repairs right away.
Consider making your cat an indoor-only friend. Cats allowed outside have statistically proven shorter lifespans, and are more prone to sickness. Certain feline diseases can actually be passed to humans, so it is good for you to keep your cat inside for that reason. A nice sunny spot in your home is what they prefer, which can curb their desire to be outside.
Cats make the best pets. Without learning about the sort of care your pet requires, though, there’s no way you can be a truly responsible cat owner. You should use the tips you read in this article to look after your beloved new cat. This lets your cat be happy for a long time.