Cats have been a friend to humans for thousands of years. These lovable animals have been showcased in films, book and plays. Knowing this, you can't blame cats for feeling just a tad superior! This article will teach you how to coexist and care for your cat.
Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.
It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Cats need to get shots so they don't get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat's life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat's history.
A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. Simply heat a single foot cotta tile at 200 degrees between 15 and 20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat's bed. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.
Don't use dog products on your cats ever. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. Flea products can be especially harmful. Dog flea prevention products will kill your cat. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.
You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Play and exercise are both important for cats' well-being. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this important part of ownership. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you're busy, too. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. The cat is in pain passing the crystals, and the correction for this is costly. Keep your cat's diet low in levels of magnesium. The best way to find out is to read the label. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.
Put a cloth down in your cat's eating area. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. If this occurs, you will have a mess on your hands. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If you're planning on keeping your kitty inside full time, make sure your kids know their pet shouldn't go outdoors. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.
Litter Box
Don't get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.
Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. Your cat will prefer drinking from running water since this is a natural behavior. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that's both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.
Cats need to have play in their life. In fact, play is a common activity for all mammals, including people and cats, no matter their age. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Enjoy some playtime with your cat.
One way to get a cat to use the litter box is to move it to a different place in the house. A cat knows that when it's going to the bathroom it's in a vulnerable situation, so you should make sure the box is in a calm, secure location. Areas away from high activity are a good choice, such as basements and laundry rooms.
Put a collar around your cat's neck. Make sure it has your address, phone number and name. Even if you own an indoor cat, it's possible he or she might escape. It is important that you provide a way that they can get back home if that should happen.
If you're like many cat owners, your pet is the center of your universe, or at least your home. The best way to give your cat the love and care it needs is to follow these guidelines. Cats are great pets when they are trained properly.