Cats make the perfect pet for several reasons. They offer companionship, clean themselves and are easily trained. There are plenty of great pieces of advice that would be of use to any potential cat owner below.
Groom your cat. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.
Spay your cat as soon as she is old enough. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat's health. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.
Don't let your cat get frequently bored. Your cat needs plenty of exercise. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them toys and things to do. If your cats are kept inside, set up a carpet lined scratching pad or post. There are many climbing structures that can be purchased or made for cats who enjoy heights.
If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. You and your cat probably have different ideas about the ideal volume for the car stereo, for instance: Remember that your cat's hearing is more sensitive than yours. To keep you cat from feeling nervous, keep the volume at a lower level. A trip is already stressful for a pet.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Teach your children how to handle a cat. Children need to know how to hold a cat and what sorts of play a cat likes. The bones of a cat are weaker than a dogs, therefore, they should be handled with care.
Cover the area around your cat's bowl with a cloth. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat's food bowl. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.
Do you have a cat and a dog? Dogs will eat a cat's food any time they're given the chance. Try locating your cat's food in an area where the dog cannot go. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
Cats love being up high. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. If you can't afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. This will ensure that your cat gets a taste of many different foods.
Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. Dry food is less expensive, but canned food provides more benefits. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. Canned food is much easier to chew for older cats. Go ahead and talk to your vet, but canned food is favorable for cats.
Your cat needs good play time. No matter what age, play is common among cats and other animals. While older cats have less energy than their younger counterparts, they can still play a little. Play with your cat and give them the fun time it needs.
Owning a cat is quite rewarding. They can really be comforting. But you've got to understand how to properly care for your cat. Use the above tips for you both to live together for many years.