Cats can make totally delightful pets, if you know the proper care techniques. Every owner should learn the ways to care for a cat. This article has lots of great information about cat care.
When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
Cats like sneaking into small spaces. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. 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.
It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.
Make a tablecloth for your cats. Cat’s will often remove food from their bowl to eat it. That means you will have to tidy up the food left beside the cat bowl. You can also use any type of mat underneath your cat’s eating apparatus to reduce the mess.
Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. The cat will especially enjoy it if you put a blanket on top.
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. Check out the box instead and see if it has been neglected; this is often a cause of accidents. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.
Carriers are great devices for you to have as a cat owner. Cats can’t be punished like dogs. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.
Keep a breakaway collar and tag on your cat. Even an indoor pet should have this. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. The tag your cat wears should display your number and your veterinarian’s information. Veterinary information is essential if your cat needs medication.
There is a lot of responsibility involved with a long-haired cat. All that hair will be literally everywhere. Long-haired cats can be very high maintenance over the course of the year. They can also have more health issues due to hairballs.
Litter Box
You should worry if your cat is no longer using its litter box. Your cat might have a hard time using the litter box because of a health condition. A bladder infection is often at the root of the problem. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.
It is possible that placing the litter box in a new part of the house will help your cat to bond with it. A cat’s instinct tells him that eliminating puts him in a vulnerable state, so try putting his litter box in a safe, quiet area of the house. A basement or laundry area might be a good option.
Avoid overfeeding your cat, as that may lead to health concerns in the long-term. Overeating can cause obesity in your cat, which can cause serious illness, similar to people. Monitor the portion sizes of your cat’s meals, watching to see that they are well balanced meals.
Cats can get sick, too. Pay attention to changes in your cat’s mood and behavior as they may be a sign your cat is feeling poorly. You should take your cat to the vet for an examination. A seemingly minor illness might really be something far more serious.
Vet bills are rarely small. Save a bit of money and time by purchasing medication for your cat online. Some companies will even deliver the medication right to your front door. If your cat is on any maintenance medications, this is a great method to use in order to keep a little money in your pocketbook while still caring for your pet.
One of the best things you can do for your cat as a responsible pet owner is to spay or neuter the animal. Cats tend to be very curious. Indoor cats can escape. And if your cat goes outside on a normal basis, it’s even more important that you get them fixed. Thousands of animals die every year because of irresponsible pet owners.
When the holiday season rolls around, safeguard your Christmas tree from curious kitties. Your cat will want to climb the tree and might cause some damages. Keep them away from your tree and watch loose ornaments and tinsel that could harm their digestive tract.
Proper Care
Proper care of your pet cat is essential to his happiness and yours. If you want your cat to thrive, take the advice here to heart. Keep the tips most important to you in a place you can find later. With the proper care, your cat will be able to live a long life in great contentment.