Cats are very loving and fun animals. Adopt one and you should soon find yourself spending many happy hours playing with it. Sometimes you may have to introduce some new things to your cat to keep it occupied. Simply sitting at home playing with your cat can be enough for enjoyment. Use these tips to have better days ahead.
You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. Do this often in order to aid in keeping your cat's outer coat clean and healthy. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline's bed. Change it regularly if you need to.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat's health. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.
Keep your cat amused. Your cat needs plenty of exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. You need to provide your cats with something they can climb and scratch.
Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Read the label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.
Younger children can be a little rough with cats sometimes. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.
A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. This may make a big mess that you need to clean up. Something as simple as a place mat can help make cleanup easier.
Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. They simply lack the maturity to comprehend the harm they can potentially do to kittens. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.
Brush your cat's coat often. This helps spread out the cat's natural oils in their fur and stimulates blood flow in the skin. As an added bonus, it cuts down on loose fur. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet's stomach and they later cough it up.
Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. They're doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. If your pet is punished, you won't do anything but make it afraid of you.
Drinking Fountain
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. Many cats prefer running water over their water dish. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that's both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.
Use canned food for your cat. Food that is dry is cheaper but canned food is better for your cat's health. Canned food gives your cat more protein and the water content helps with hydration. Aging cats can chew this easier. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.
While reading this article, did you notice any areas for improvement in your own home? If so, it's time to take action. Not all cats will like every approach, but most do. The more you concern yourself with the health and happiness of your cat, the longer you can enjoy each other's company.