Cats are a fine domestic animal with great abilities and traits. A new pet could be a great addition to your household but keep in mind that a cat is also a responsibility. Living indoors with cats is a different thing completely. Such intelligent, quick animals can be stubborn and need special techniques.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet's life. They will learn your cat's history best.
If your cat is getting older, you can increase it's comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot. Heated in your oven around 200 degrees, it can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat's bedding. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.
If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. If your cat has been spayed, however, you won't have to worry about this happening.
Products Designed
You shouldn't ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. If your dog has been treated for fleas, keep him away from your cat for at least three hours.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Give your cat foods that are low in magnesium. Go over the label carefully. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.
Are you a cat and dog owner? Dogs will eat a cat's food any time they're given the chance. That's why you should place your cat's food in a place which is hard for your dog to reach. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.
Cats love being up high. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If you're averse to cat trees for some reason, a shelf without breakable items will work. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
Brush your cat's coat often. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin's blood flow. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. This avoids the hairball problem, which may lead to choking and a buildup of hair in the stomach.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. Keeping the same kind of food around most of the time makes it to where they only want that specific food.
You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. Cats are beautiful with hair that is long and silky. Your clothes, floors and furniture aren't. Unless you're committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. Long-haired cats also often have hairballs.
Make sure your cat's collar has important information, such as your address, phone number and name. You may have an indoor pet, but that doesn't mean it won't ever get out. If that happens, you want to be sure that there is a way for them to make it back home.
Sometimes, foods are healthy for humans but not for cats. Examples of problem foods include garlic, green tomatoes, onions and grapes. If your cat eats these, it may cause him to get really sick or even worse. Milk is something that can hurt your cat's stomach, so beware of that too.
You should try keeping your cat inside or allowing it to go in the backyard. It is shown that cats trained inside that then spend the majority of their lives inside tend to live longer than cats free to roam the neighborhood. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.
You cannot be the boss of you cat, it's hopeless! Your cat will quickly learn where it is permitted to be and where it is not. That said, a well behaved cat is also a wonderful pet to have, so get down to work!