Many families find unexpected difficulties when they adopt their first cat. When one adopts unprepared, bad things can happen. Even well-educated cat owners are often faced with unexpected challenges. The more you know, the better, though, so read on.
If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! If you want to prevent this, spay your cat.
Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat's name.
Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.
Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. You can control this tendency a bit by making high places in the house that you feel comfortable having your cat utilize. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.
Cats will be up during the night more often than not. They get very active at night. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This will stop them from bothering you at night, and playing with your feet beneath the covers.
Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.
If you're thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. This can be something that isn't very safe for a cat. They may acquire fleas or much worse things. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.
Unlike most humans, cats love heights. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.
Use a brush on your cat regularly. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the fur. It will also minimize hair loss. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.
Don't scrimp when it comes to your pet's food. Carefully look over ingredients, and be sure that a quality protein source like chicken, fish, or beef is at the beginning of the list. Some foods contain a lot of fillers like corn products, don't buy those. Understand that your cat needs a lot of animal protein to stay healthy.
Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that's open invites exploration. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. This is especially true for cats with medical conditions.
You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. Unless you're committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. Be prepared to deal with hairballs, which are a problem for long-haired cats.
Your cat's choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. Health problems may be causing your cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, close to home and near its owner. It has been proven that indoor cats have a much longer life span than cats that live outdoors. Outdoor cats face numerous predators and are at a higher risk of disease.
Cats' powerful olfactory abilities mean that they can smell changes in their home. This may cause issues if they have a new bed, scratching post, or food dish. Don't get discouraged if you find that your cat is not interested in these things right away. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they'll be more interested in the new object.
Brushing your cat more frequently is the most common way to combat hairballs. If it doesn't work, though, you have other options. Try mixing a teaspoon of pumpkin with your cat's food. In addition to the pumpkin, try one teaspoon of water from a can of tuna. Some cat foods include hairball fighting elements, such as fiber, that may be useful.
You may want to avoid treating your feline with table scraps. Human food can upset your cat's stomach and make it sick. If you really want to treat your cat, try a tablespoon or so of cooked chicken or beef, or a little egg. These treats are by no means necessary. If you comply with the feeding directions for your cat's food, you are good to go.
It's the holidays, and you are probably thinking that this would be a great time to get a cat for your child, but in reality, it's probably too hectic of a time for your child and the cat to get to know each other. The better way to go about this is to go to the pet shop or the animal shelter and let your child take ownership of the pet selection process.
The tips you just read will help you care for your cat, regardless of its age or breed. There are raising concepts that are shared among cats, but there can still be some variation. Remember to have plenty of fun and give your cat plenty of love and attention.
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