There are so many reasons to enjoy having a cat. That said, they're not easy to care for. There are various responsibilities that cat owners must know. Here you'll see exactly what those are. Keep reading to find out more.
Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.
Keep your cat groomed. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. This will also reduce things like shedding and hairballs because it keeps them from having extra hair. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.
Take your cat to the vet every year. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. Buy your cat specialized food to prevent this problem. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they'd cost if you got them from your vet. If it's an emergency, buying online may not be an option. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.
If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. To keep your cat calm and collected over the course of your trip, keep the stereo low - or perhaps off entirely.
Little kids shouldn't be left alone near cats. Teach your children how to handle a cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.
Create a tablecloth for the feline. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat. This habit means you will end up with cat food on the floor to clean up. Use a placemat under your cat's bowl or cut some fabric to create a small tablecloth. Shake the placemat or cloth over the garbage regularly.
Scratching Post
Don't toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.
You need to provide your cat with a drinking fountain. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Streams of water will attract your cat. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. Fountains keep the water cool and clean.
Play is essential to your cat's life. Play is important for all mammals, even people, regardless of their age. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Take the time to play and have a little fun with your kitty.
Haired Cats
Long haired cats take extra grooming time, so think about that before choosing one. While long haired cats are soft and look great, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.
Dogs let you know when they are excited and/or happy when they wag their tails. Cats wag or move their tails from side to side as well, but not for the reasons dogs do. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.
The potential benefits of cat ownership are, it's worth stating again, numerous and wide-reaching. But, you need to properly care for your cat if you would like for it to live its best life. Keep this information in mind if you want to bring a cat into your home.