Cats are very pleasant and loving animals if you take good care of them. Education on the best way to care for a cat is the most important step in cat ownership. Keep reading for some great tips every cat owner should know about.
Keep a clean litter box. Like you, a cat will generally not use a bathroom that is filthy. Find a quiet area out of the way that the box can stay in, and don’t move it unless absolutely necessary. Scoop solids out a couple time of day. Make sure to dump the whole box, wash it with a gentle detergent, and refill it once a week.
Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything. Give them an alternative. One way to keep your cats from continuously jumping on the counter is to install a cat tower near the problem counter.
If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. Getting to know your cats cues will help you to interpret her meows.
Play with your cat. A lot of cat owners don’t do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags and any number of small toys to get your cat moving.
When the cat’s litter box starts to become rough and worn at the bottom, it is time to replace it. If you leave it this way, it will cause waste to accumulate in damaged areas. Your cat may be very offended by the odor and decide to use the bathroom somewhere else in the house.
If you are expecting a child, this is more than enough reason for you to have your pet spayed or neutered. Some cats get very aggressive when they see little ones in the house. After having this procedure done it is less likely for your cat to do anything to harm the baby.
Sometimes it seems as if your cat is sleeping all of his 9 lives away, however, this is perfectly normal. It is not unusual for cats to sleep up to 16 hours per day, and even more. Much of their sleep is light sleep, an instinct that keeps them ready in the event that a predator is nearby. About 25 percent of their sleep is deep sleep, where they dream and conserve energy. Cats love to sleep-a lot!
When you’re smitten with your kitten, it’s tempting to dole out treats generously. However, treats are meant to be just that. They lack the nutritional value of regular cat food. Treats should not make up more than 5 percent of your pet’s daily diet. Any more than that may prevent your cat from receiving the nutrients it needs for good health.
If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds, choose foods that help the animal to feel full. If the cat acts like it is hungry all the time, you will be tempted to feed (and overfeed) it. Look for cat foods that contain higher amounts of protein and fiber. This also promotes a healthy digestive system, which contributes to weight loss.
If you have a long haired cat, regular grooming is an essential tool. Grooming helps to keep your kitty clean and well cared for. It can help to prevent shedding and skin disease too. While bathing your cat is not required more than every so often, make sure to brush him daily and tend to any mats in his coat.
Make sure to feed your diet pet food specifically made for cats. While a bag of dog food might be cheaper pound for pound, it will not contain the necessary vitamins, minerals and especially protein content to keep your cats healthy. Giving a cat dog food on a regular basis can also cause kidney failure and other serious illnesses.
Think about keeping your cat entirely indoors. Outdoor cats have been proven to have shorter lifespans, and they are easily prone to catching many diseases. You may even catch their disease yourself. Let your cat rest in a room with a lot of light; this will help satisfy his or her outdoor needs.
If you are introducing a new pet into a home that already has a pet, it is best to try to socialize the animals gradually. Both dogs and cats are territorial. If you introduce a newcomer to quickly, the animals may never adjust. Keep the animals separate for a majority of the time and introduce them gradually over a few weeks.
Cats can be wonderful animals to keep as pets, but you need to properly care for them. If you’d like to do more for your pet, read this article with care and take advantage of the suggestions it provides. If you take good enough care of your cat you can be sure that it has a life that is well worth living.
