Cats need to eat a balanced diet with proper vitamins and minerals, just like humans do. Without such a diet, your cat can either be malnourished, or become obese. This article will give you all the tips you need for a healthier cat.
If you have multiple cats, save money on cat dishes by checking your local dollar store for salsa dishes. You can usually get a package of three for a dollar. These are sturdy and come in pretty colors. They look nice in your kitchen, and they are just the right size for cat food.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Keep an eye on early warning signs of health issues in cats. Cats usually display warning signs if they are struggling with health issues. Some common signs to look out for include eating habit changes, sleeping habit changes, not being able to groom properly, changes in eating habits, changes in sleeping habits, depression, sneezing, increased thirst, watery eyes, changes in behavior, hiding, and vomiting. If they display these symptoms, take them to a vet right away. The sooner you take, them the better.
Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.
Sometimes you need to give your cat a pill. Some cats are harder than others, but you should trim their nails first. Then hold the head, open the mouth, and put the pill in. Then blow on the cats face. This will likely make the cat lick its nose, and the pill will go down naturally.
Invest in a cat friendly fountain. When cats are out in the wild they like to drink running water, and this is true in your home as well. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. Cats often like the running water more than their own bowl of water. A drinking fountain will be good for the environment and can help the cat to enjoy its water more.
If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.
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.
Make sure play time is an important part of your cat’s life. Of course, all mammals like to play, regardless of age or species. While older cats aren’t near as energetic, they still enjoy playing often. Have as much fun time with your cat as possible.
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.
To keep your cat using the litter box, always keep it clean. No matter what kind of scented or special formula litters you may use, nothing is a substitute for removing clumps and used litter several times a day. Keep your litter box in a quiet area of your home.
Look out for holes around the home you would rather your cat didn’t get into. Cats often fit through small openings. This is especially true of kittens. Be especially careful about this if you’re bringing a cat home for the first time. Cover or repair large holes you see.
If you are looking for a new home for your kitty, consider registering with an online pet adoption agency. Some of these companies screen applicants, so you will be sure that your pet is going into a good home. This is better than selling him to a creep who lurks around Craigslist all the time.
Although cats are quite vigilant about grooming themselves, you can avoid excessive cat hair all over your house by taking time each day to stroke your cat with firm hands from head to tail each day. This daily massage will remove the hair your cat is shedding and he will enjoy the attention too!
Your cat’s diet is very important to the overall state of his health. If your cat doesn’t eat right it’ll be in bad shape. It may even reduce life expectancy. Choose the cat food you use for your pet very carefully.
