Do you own a cat? If you are, then you already know that your cat is a precious companion. Cats are finicky creatures who need lots of love and excellent care. You are well-situated to provide for the many needs of your cat. This article describes how you can become a great owner.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. This can save all "nine" of your cat's lives.
If you'd like to make an elderly cat's bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Wrap it in an old towel and put it under your cat's bed or blanket. Replace it every three hours or so.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don't wait!
If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they're lost. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.
Contact Information
You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn't mean it'll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. Most vets and all shelters can scan these chips to get your contact information and there is no risk of losing the chip.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. This means that they will usually be quite active at night. Close the door to prevent the noise from getting to you. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you're under covers.
If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. Online prescriptions are not the best choice if you do not have the time to wait on a mail order, such as in a medical emergency. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. If you're raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can't go outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.
Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. If the child is younger than 5, don't leave them alone with a kitten. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren't aware of the danger that they can cause to it. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.
Litter Box
Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.
Brush your cat's fur regularly. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. It'll also remove all that loose hair. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn't be punished. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
Scratching Post
Don't throw away your cat's old scratching post. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. By throwing away an old scratching post and replacing it with a newer one, your cat will likely look for older items to scratch, such as your furniture.
You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is very critical if your feline has specific medical issues.
You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Don't adopt a cat with long fur unless you're sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
Make sure your cat has routine check ups and vaccinations to ensure longevity and good health. A kitten is not so different from a child. It needs properly-scheduled check-ups and immunizations to prevent medical complications down the road. Your cat is wonderful addition to the family, and must be cared for in the same way that you would treat all members of your household.
You love your cat and want to care for them properly. After reading this article, you should know more about caring for a cat. Use these tips for a happier cat. If your cat is loved by you then that cat will love you back.