You probably look at your cat as a family member. You have to take the necessary steps to keep them from getting parasites. Your cat's health will be put in danger by these parasites. The advice presented below can be helpful for you as a cat owner, and possibly life-saving!
If you're thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. Adopting your cat at a shelter allows you to save a cat's life while also helping mitigate overpopulation.
Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. This can help to save a couple of your cat's nine lives.
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
Give your cat lots of attention and love. They give lots of affection and need some in return. They are social creates which need reassurance. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.
Be especially mindful of your cat's ears when you take them on a trip. Cats tend to prefer gentle sounds during the day. Turn down the music and let the cat rest.
Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Cats don't have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat's food if it gets the chance. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.
You must take caution when leaving your cat with any children. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. The maturity level isn't there when it comes to your child. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.
Brush your cat regularly. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin's blood flow. It also gets rid of shedding hair. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat's stomach from self grooming.
Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.
Is your pet's scratching post starting to look beat up? Don't toss it out! Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they've gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.
Don't buy cheap cat food. Always look at the ingredients first. You want to see either fish, chicken or beef noted. Don't choose a food which is mainly corn. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.
Drinking Fountain
Get your cat a drinking fountain. Most cats will prefer drinking water that is running over drinking water in a bowl. Cat usually respond well to streams. In fact, the running water in a sink garnishes more attention from a cat than their water bowl usually does. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. The tag should have your name and address and also your vet's. This is very critical if your feline has specific medical issues.
Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Enjoy some playtime with your cat.
Carefully consider where you will place your friend's litter box. Many people want it in an out of the way spot. However, the litter box must be kept in a location that is easily accessible for your pet. It has to be a quiet area with little traffic. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.
Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. Refrain from serving onions or garlic, as these foods are too strong for your cat. If your cat consumes these particular foods, it can get really sick. Milk can also end up giving your cat an upset stomach.
If your cat has been declawed, outdoors should be off-limits. Cats without claws cannot stand up for themselves if they encounter another animal. The result could be injuries or death. Indoor cats are the only type of cat that needs to be declawed. If you must declaw a cat, only do it to the front paws. Keep the back claws intact, since they can't do damage to your furnishings and flooring.
All animals can get parasites, and cats are no exception. They will not go away on their own and need to be treated as soon as they are noticed. You can eliminate them and prevent their return if you use these recommended methods. You cat will thank you when you do.