Cats are great animals and intelligent pets. If you're going to own one, you must know all you can about proper cat care. Read these tips to get the most enjoyment out of your cat.
Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet's life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that's heated under their bed. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap it in an old towel and put it under your cat's bed or blanket. If you want, you can change it for a newly warmed tile a few hours later.
You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you'll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. If you have rarely used electronics, put them up when you aren't using them.
Your furnishings and belongings can easily be ruined by a cat's claws. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.
You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment's notice, escaping through an open window. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.
Keep your cat amused. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. Unfortunately there are too many cat owners who don't properly exercise their cats. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. 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. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
Make sure that you have a good tablecloth for your kitten. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. Sometimes, this results in food outside the bowl that you have to clean up. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.
Cats enjoy heights. A happy cat is one that has a safe living environment. If you don't wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.
If your cat experiences major problems, don't be afraid to talk to other cat owners. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.
Drinking Fountain
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. You may have noticed that a dripping sink faucet quickly attracts their attention. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. Your cat will get extra protein and fats from canned food along with some of the water it needs every day. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. Go ahead and talk to your vet, but canned food is favorable for cats.
You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. This is even true for indoor cats. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. Veterinary information is essential if your cat needs medication.
Aired Cat
Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. 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. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. There will be hairball issues as well.
Take note if the cat ceases using its litter box. Your cat might have a hard time using the litter box because of a health condition. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. You should take your cat to the vet if you think there is something wrong with your pet.
Cats can make incredible household pets. To make sure your cat remains happy and healthy, you must become educated on how to care for them properly. Read this article again if need be. Your cat is certain to appreciate the time you spent learning on caring for it.