If you know what to do to care for your cat, then the cat makes a great pet. One of your responsibilities as someone who owns a cat is to learn cat care basics so that your cat is happy and lives a long life. This piece is full of terrific guidance.
Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Cats should have regular combings. Such practices help keep cats' coats clean. It's also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.
Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.
A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. This means that they're going to be running around more when it gets dark. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. This will ensure you sleep much better, without cats jumping into bed with you.
Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. Special food can help. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.
If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Choose a low magnesium food. Read the labels. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
To avoid having a picky cat, switch up the kinds of foods you give him. If you feed your cat the same food all the time, your cat will likely be uninterested any any other brand or flavor.
Drinking Fountain
You should install a small drinking fountain for your cat. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. A drinking fountain will be good for the environment and can help the cat to enjoy its water more.
You should give your cat at least three weeks to grow used to the presence of a new animal. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat. Therefore, they may hide, hiss, or even fight one another. Eventually, they become used to each other and are comfortable together.
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. You may really want to hide that box from everyday life. You have to accept the fact that easy access for your cat is the first priority in choosing a spot for the litter box. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. If the litter box is kept on a cement floor, then place a rug or mat underneath it.
If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. Abandoning proper litter box habits is often a warning sign of serious health problems in cats. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.
Litter Box
If you are having problems getting the cat to use the litter box, move it. Cats often don't go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. Basements, laundry rooms, and other low traffic locations are a great choice.
Cats are great pets, but they need proper care. Good cat owners will review this piece often and take its advice to heart. Applying the insight learned in these tips will help to ensure that your pet has a happy life and provides wonderful companionship.