Much like humans, cats need a good diet consisting of foods that will give them the proper amount of nutrients. Cats suffer when their owners do not follow proper dietary recommendations or give the cat proper attention. Learn more about caring for your cat by reading the following article.
You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat's life. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.
Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. Bake a one-foot tile made from terra cotta in the oven at 200 degrees F for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty's favorite resting spot. If you want, you can change it for a newly warmed tile a few hours later.
Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. Keep them separated by at least one door for a few hours after treatment.
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Teach your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they'd cost if you got them from your vet. There are some times when this isn't a good idea, like when you're dealing with a pet related emergency. But, if your cat is on a regular medication, you can save quite a bit by buying it online.
Brush your cat's coat often. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat's stomach by reducing the animal's need to clean itself.
Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Place the open carrier in an area that your cat visits often and outfit it with a favorite toy and blanket. The cat will enter it on its own. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
Scratching Post
Don't throw away your cat's old scratching post. The cats loves it the most in this condition. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.
Use canned food for your cat. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Be sure to ask your vet about your pet's food; however, canned food is usually the best for your cat.
Carefully consider where you will locate your cats' litter box. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can't see it or smell it. Make sure your cat can easily reach the litter box at all times. Cats are quite finicky, so it is important to make their bathroom environment appealing them them or risk messes throughout the house. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.
Litter Box
Take note if the cat ceases using its litter box. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. If your pet stops using the litter box then see your veterinarian.
Dogs wag their tails frequently when they are happy or excited to see their owners. Cats wag their tails for very different reasons than dogs though. Tail wagging in a cat usually means he is thinking of attacking or running away. If you notice you cat begin to wag his tail when you are holding him, put him down to be sure you are not scratched or swatted.
Avoid any products containing phenol around your cats. Phenol is found in common products such as Pine-Sol, Lysol, and various other cleaners. The smell is pretty offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage.
Indoor Cats
Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. 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 ones that should be de-clawed. With indoor cats, just remove the front claws. Leaving the back claws is no problem since they won't scratch your furniture or floors.
A healthy diet is vital when it comes to your cat's health. Keep a close watch on what your cat is consuming, as it is extremely important to monitor their diet with the right foods, otherwise you run the risk of harming your cat. Do right by your cat and make sure it has a healthy diet.