Cats are curious creatures. They can take you or leave you at times. They are very perplexing animals; however, it does feel nice when one is purring on your lap. The following advice will help you care for your pet.
Make sure your cat is always groomed. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. If you groom your cat with care, both your pet and your home will look their best.
If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. Replace it every three hours or so.
If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.
Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. Close your bedroom door if your cat is driving you nuts at night. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.
Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.
Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Read the labels. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.
Watch kittens around kids. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.
Brush your cat’s fur regularly. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. It can also reduce the amount of loose hair they have. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. Dry foods are cheaper but canned foods are richer in vitamins and nutrients. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. It’s also much softer on older teeth if your cat is getting up there in years. Speak with your vet to determine the proper course of action to take.
Litter Box
Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. If your cat refuses to use its litter box, there may be an underlying health concern. Kidney or bladder infections may be the reason. If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, get him to a vet for a visit.
Cats can be difficult to learn about, but after a while they will become your best friends. Work with these tips found here to make their everyday lives as good as they can be. Being a cat owner can be great, and if you take care of your cat properly your happy cat can be a wonderful pet.
