Cats are very unique animals. Their smarts, affectionate nature and sense of independence make them terrific house pets. Properly caring for cats, however, is not easy. Read the following tips, and you should be able to learn a lot about how you can deal with owning a cat so that it's happy.
Move any drape cords out of a cat's reach. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. In addition to checking the health of your cat, a vet can give him any needed shots. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. This one vet will be aware of the cat's history.
If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat's health. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. If your cat has hair that's long it could get hairballs. To assist your cat if it has this problem, you should get food that's special. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.
Create a tablecloth that your cats can use. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. This can lead to a big clean-up. Think about putting a placemat underneath the bowl or make your own tablecloth out of fabric.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Explain where the cat is and isn't allowed. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Establishing these boundaries ahead of time prevents any confusion.
You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you're having problems with your pet. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.
High quality cat food is important to your cat. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Stay way from cat foods made of corn or any other ingredients that aren't based in protein. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.
If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. Sooner or later, they'll tolerate and even begin to love each other.
If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. Affordable antibiotics can solve concerns that may otherwise be quite serious.
Long haired cats take extra grooming time, so think about that before choosing one. All that hair will be literally everywhere. Unless you're committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
Refrain from cleaning or using chemicals in the vicinity of your cat. Pine-Sol and Lysol contain this ingredient. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.
Your cat has a remarkable sense of smell, much better than humans. They detect subtle changes in their environment. This can be troublesome sometimes if you're trying to feed the cat new food or give it new toys. Don't get frustrated if they don't like these items right away. Your cat will begin using it as soon as he is used to its smell.
Avoid overfeeding your cat, as that may lead to health concerns in the long-term. If your pet eats much more than it should, it may become overweight, which can lead to a number of illnesses. Keep your cat eating healthy and consistent at all times.
A cat is a great pet for your family, but you need to learn how to take good care of your pet. Study the tips you learned here. Use this information to take proper care of your cat so that it remains healthy for many years.