Cats are an integral part of any household. Eliot thought that cats were a core component of the household. Make sure that your cat is healthy so that it can stay energetic. Sadly, cats can be temperamental. Here are some things you need to know if you're going to be living with a cat.
Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat's life.
You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. They need to be brushed every day. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. They are often active at nighttime. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. You won't be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.
Do all you can to figure out what's causing your cat to meow. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. Look for the cues and you'll be much more in tune with your pet.
Do you have both a cat and dog? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat's food. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
You don't want to punish a cat if they do their business outside of their litter box. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
Get your cat used to a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. They respond better to encouragement. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat's usual haunts. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.
Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. This will be important even if you have an indoor cat. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. Your cat's identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.
Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. Your cat needs to get some shots regularly to prevent different illnesses and parasites. Treat your cat as if it were a member of the family.
Outfit your cat with a tag and collar containing your address, phone number, and name. Even a cat you plan to keep indoors can sometimes get out or get lost. They have to be able to get home again.
If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Dogs normally do pant. Panting in a cat possibly indicates something serious is going on. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.
Dry food is great for cats. Little kittens need moist food since their baby teeth can't handle much else. When adult teeth come in, the harder foods maintain the strength of their teeth. Your cat might enjoy eating more if you mix dry and wet food.
You can deter cat scratching with something as simple as tape. This can deter your cat from scratching the upholstery. Check a pet store for this kind of tape. With this tape and a well-placed scratching post, your feline should stop the bad behavior quickly.
Do a safety check to make sure there are no places where your cat could potentially get trapped. A cat can squeeze through incredibly small openings. This is especially true of kittens. Before you bring a new cat or kitten home, be sure to check for spaces the cat could get trapped in. Cover up or repair any sizable holes you find.
Veterinarian visits are expensive, though often necessary. One way to save some cash is to order your pet's medications via the Internet. Many places will deliver the goods to your doorstep. This will save you both time and effort.
Your cat may not like it if you add another pet to your family. To keep things sane, keep the two animals separated for awhile. Give your cat time to get accustomed with the other pet's scent. After some time has passed, you can then let the animals meet each other to see how things work out.
Although it may seem like a good idea to give your children a new pet during the holidays, this may not be a good idea because it's a very hectic time. Let your child adopt from a shelter instead.
Caring for a cat can be difficult, but it is very gratifying. No matter what personality your cat has, lazy or feisty, this article is sure to provide some helpful information to you. Your cat will soon be purring in anticipation.