As wonderful and delightful as pet cats are, caring for them is definitely not easy. As a responsible pet owner, it is important that you take the time needed to educate yourself on all that there is to know about caring for a cat. This article contains cat care advice to help you be the best cat owner you can be.
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor cat.
Your furnishings and belongings can easily be ruined by a cat’s claws. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. Teach your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. Special food can help. Certain kinds of cat food are made to decrease hairballs. As a result, you and your cat will be happier.
Consider those expensive cat litter boxes. There are cat litter boxes now that allow you to have minimal interaction with them. This can be great for anyone who is tired of cleaning a litter box. But be careful, as they may not work as easily as they claim to. If you can, make sure there is a return policy and don’t lose the receipt. You may find you prefer the old-fashioned style!
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. If you feed them only one type of food, they may refuse to eat anything else. However, stick with the same brand, and just vary the flavors because cats can have stomach problems if you vary the food too much.
Ensure that your new cat is spayed or neutered. This is important even if your cat will not be outdoors or around cats of the opposite gender. Studies show that spayed cats are less vulnerable to uterine, mammary, and ovarian cancer. Neutering your male cat decreases his risk of developing prostate cancer. Another benefit of neutering is that your cat will not feel compelled to mark his territory by spraying.
If you have ever given your cat a bath, then you know how much they shiver when it is over. This is because their wet fur provides them with no insulation. You can help your cat out by using your hairdryer to dry the hair fast. Just remember not to hold it too close and burn your cat.
Get your cat all the necessary vaccinations. There are a number of them and you should talk to your veterinarian about the proper schedule. Many are given at the early stages of a kitten’s development, then given annually thereafter. These vaccinations prevent such problems as feline leukemia, rabies and respiratory problems.
If you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, you’ll want to contact your vet. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. If your pet stops using the litter box then see your veterinarian.
Make sure that you change your cat’s food and water on a regular basis. Just like humans, cats want to eat fresh food and drink water that is clean. Feed them at the same time each and every day if you want them to get into a regular feeding routine.
Brushing your cat more frequently is the most common way to combat hairballs. If it doesn’t work, though, you have other options. Use pumpkin in your cat’s food to help with digestion. You can also mix one teaspoon of tuna water in with the pumpkin. Special foods are available to help treat hairballs.
When adopting a cat, consider adopting two. Cats are social creatures, and they prefer to be in the company of other feline friends. Having two will help to keep your kitty occupied, and it can make it easier to take care of your new pet. If owning two is not an option, make sure to spend extra time giving your cat love.
Although cats make amazing pets, it is crucial that they are cared for in a proper manner. Utilize all of the cat care tips and advice you have learned from this article to ensure that your kitty stays healthy and enjoys a wonderful, fulfilling life. He or she will definitely appreciate it.
