There are a lot of cat owners out there that really should learn more about taking care of their cats. If you’re someone that owns one or wants to own one, there are some things you need to know. Read over these tips and you should have no problem with caring for your cat.
Watch the amount of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you do give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a regular routine.
Check your cat for ticks and fleas every week. If your cat does have fleas, there is a good chance that you also have fleas in your home. You might need some flea bombs or premise-control sprays, along with treating the cat, to get rid of the issue. If you don’t know what products to use for controlling ticks and fleas, talk to your vet for some safe options.
Save your furniture with scratching posts and pads. It is natural for cats to want to stretch their claws out and scratch. This does not mean that a cat owner must have damaged furniture. Provide your cat with places that it is okay to scratch and redirect them there if they decide to try out your sofa. Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and materials and some cats prefer a particular type so it may take some trial and error before you find the right combination for your kitty.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
Cats like to chase birds and catch them. This helps cats to build and deliver crucial hunting skills. But what if you have an indoor cat? You can find cat toys at the pet store that will help you simulate a bird flying around. Your cat will love it, and love you for it.
Don’t let your cat outside. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
If your cat has to have a surgery such as being spayed or neutered, they will need rest when they come home. It is hard to keep a cat from jumping up on furniture, but necessary to avoid pulling out stitches. Designate an area in your house for your cat to recuperate where they will be less likely to injure themselves, until they are healed enough to roam free.
You should do regular checkups of your cat between veterinarian visits. A good time to do this is when you are petting the animal. Check the entire body for things like scabs and lesions. Also look in and around the ears for any discharge, which can be a sign of ear mites. Check the cat from head to tail.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. When you give the same thing day after day, it becomes boring.
Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. They can also have more health issues due to hairballs.
It might seem like a little much for an animal, but you should comb your cat’s hair as often as possible. Combing the hair helps prevent the cat from licking loose fur and building a furball to spit up later. Different cats shed at different rates and some require a lot more maintenance than others.
Happy dogs wag their tail. Cats wag or move their tails from side to side as well, but not for the reasons dogs do. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. Similarly, if your cats tail wags when you hold it, it’s wise to put it down at that time.
Do you offer your cats inexpensive food, thinking that it will last longer, and you get more for your money? The truth is, cheaper foods usually lack the proper nutrients and protein cats need in order to stay healthy. Instead, they contain fillers, such as corn, to bulk up the food. Cats need to eat more of cheaper foods, but will require less of a protein-rich food that will keep him healthier in the long run.
Try and incorporate dry food into your cats diet. Kittens need some wet food because they have very small teeth. Feeding your cat some dry food will help it grow strong teeth. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.
When choosing what type of cat to bring home, consider your lifestyle. Do you travel often? How long are you at home? If you will not spend a good deal of time in the company of your new pet, adopt a more mature cat. Kittens require considerable care and are easily frightened when alone. A mature cat requires care as well, but should fare well when you aren’t at home.
Now you can probably see that it’s really pretty simple to care for a cat. While they can be a handful when you first get them, it becomes easier over time. Use what you have learned in the above paragraphs to better care for your feline friend. It’s a great pet to have and your cat will love you for a long time!
