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.
Make a free toy for your cat by placing a little dry rice or a few dry beans inside an empty pill bottle. Close the lid and roll the rattly toy across the floor. Most cats can’t resist the sound and motion. You can also tie a length of twine around the neck of the bottle to make a pull toy or a dangly toy.
If your cat takes all the ornaments off the Christmas tree, don’t fight it. Begin collecting attractive cat toys and unbreakable ornaments to decorate the tree next year. Be sure not to decorate with potentially dangerous items like tinsel and garlands. Tinsel is a choking hazard for cats and garlands can cause strangulation.
Take your cat to the vet periodically. A lot of cat owners tend to avoid the vet because it can be harder to get a cat ready to go anywhere she does not want to go! It is also easy to avoid the vet because cats seem so self-reliant. However, it’s smart to get your cat to the vet to avoid any problems.
When bringing a new kitten home, take it slow. It is tempting for children to want to play with the new addition to your home immediately. But the young cat will likely be scared. Give the cat time to acclimate itself to your home and to get comfortable with everyone.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
When you introduce a new cat into your home, you have to be careful with how your other cat reacts. Try giving the new cat a little space in one room at first, and then introduce him to the rest of the house. Make sure to have different litter boxes at first too. If you ease the new cat in, it will go more smoothly for everyone.
Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. There is more water in canned food and more protein and fat too. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.
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.
While there is nothing wrong with using clumping cat litter for older felines, you should stick with sandy litter when dealing with kittens. The clumping litters are usually treated with all types of chemicals that may nto be safe for smaller cats. Once they are older, you should be able to make the switch with no issue.
Don’t send a declawed cat outdoors for long periods of time. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. If your cat is an outside cat, do not have it declawed. It is still best to just remove the front claws. Leaving the back claws is no problem since they won’t scratch your furniture or floors.
If you have been at home with your cat for an extended period and then return to work, it is quite possible that your cat will show signs of loneliness. It can be a good idea to get a companion cat to keep yours company when you are at work.
Although the holidays may seem like the perfect time to give your child a cat as a present, it is much too hectic a time to give a new cat the attention he deserves. Try taking your kid to a shelter or pet store so that they can choose their pet.
One of the most important and rewarding things you’re able to provide for your cat is to have it spayed or neutered. Cats can be very sneaky. Indoor cats can slip out through a cracked window or door left open a little bit too long. Your cats can get pregnant if you let them escape for a short period of time. Lots of cats lose their lives because of overpopulation every year.
Cats will generally do whatever pleases them, and this is fine, just as long as it doesn’t destroy your property. A little training can go along way in keeping your items safe. Be gentle with your cats, and don’t scream, yell, or use violence with them. Whistles and squirt guns can alert your cat that they’re doing something wrong.
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.
