Cats are some amazing little creatures. They are smart, independent and loving. You do have to take great care of your pet, though. Keep reading to find out how to learn more about taking good care of your cat.
Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor cat.
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.
For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it completely every three days or so. When you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don’t waste your money on liners as cats tend to destroy them.
Keep your cat’s coat healthy by giving them a supplement of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is an inexpensive supplement that can be found in most health food stores. Simply sprinkle a little bit on your cat’s dry food, or mix it in with their wet food. Not only do they love how it tastes, but it’s full of protein and vitamins that will keep them looking their best!
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower. Teach your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.
Make sure your cat is properly hydrated. Like humans, cats need to drink lots of water. If they don’t get enough water, they can get dehydrated, develop various health problems, or die. Make sure they always have a bowl of fresh and clean water. The bowl itself also needs to be cleaned and refilled every day. You should also keep this bowl in one location.
Have your cat spayed or neutered. Pet overpopulation is a growing problem, with millions of homeless cats and kittens euthanized every year. Besides the problem of too many kittens and not enough homes, unfixed cats can have a multitude of behavior problems. Males who are not neutered at a young age often start spraying to mark their territory, and females who are allowed to come into heat yowl incessantly as they try to escape to find a mate. Kittens can begin to breed as early as 4 months of age, so get your new kitten spayed or neutered as soon as possible.
Use petting to check on your cat’s health. Petting isn’t just a way for you and your cat to spend time together, but it’s a great way to find anything abnormal on their body. You can pet them to feel for bumps, lumps, or sores. This is also a great time for you to check their ears.
Refrain from giving your cat any food that is spoiled. This can lead to indigestion and food poisoning, which can cost you a trip to the veterinarian. Always buy your food fresh from the store and be sure to check the expiration date before you feed it to your cat.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This means food spillage that you will have to clean later. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.
Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.
Most cats are prone to wax build up and ear mites. You can purchase a solution at the pet store that will clean out your cats ears. You put a couple drops in each of your cats ears and then hold them closed while massaging them for a minute. When you let go, stand back or you will get covered in the liquid when your cat shakes its head.
Play is an essential element of a cat’s daily life. No matter what age, play is common among cats and other animals. Older cats do not have the same energy level as younger ones, but they still like to play a little. Enjoy some playtime with your cat.
You should get a collar with your contact information and make sure your cat wears it all the time. Even a cat you plan to keep indoors can sometimes get out or get lost. If this occurs, you must be sure that your animal can find its way home.
When introducing a new cat to your home, make sure that your other pets have time to adjust. You will want to give the new cat extra attention, but it is important to keep up established routines with your other pets. Allow the new cat to explore its new home while you care for your other pets.
As you can now see, a cat can be the best pet you’ve ever had. Use these tips at your discretion. Use these tips to ensure your cat is healthy and happy.
