Becoming a cat owner is a big decision. Sure cats have a history of being independent pets, however this doesn’t mean you don’t have to take care of them. There are a number of things to consider when caring for a pet cat. The article below will illustrate what things you need to know.
Keep your cat occupied by making your own dangly toys. Using soft cotton rope, cut a length of about two feet. Tie a knot at one end. Tie another knot about three inches from the opposite end. Unravel the rope below this knot. Attach the rope to the back of a kitchen chair for your cat to play.
Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.
Find out how much food you are supposed to be feeding your cat. While cat food containers give general information, find out from your vet how much food your cat should be eating. Many owners do not do this, and end up overfeeding their cats. Take the time to find out the proper amount so you don’t end up with an overweight kitty.
It is important to only feed your kitten food specifically made for kittens. Kitten food contains more fat and protein to help keep your growing cats body healthy. Adult cat food is leaner and is not specially formulated the same way as the kitten food. Your kitten will grow really fast in a short time-frame, so it is important that they eat right.
If your cat seems to want to avoid his food bowl, try getting a different kind of bowl. Plastic can sometimes turn a cat off if it isn’t cleaned constantly, and can hold on to certain scents. Try glass or a metal bowl for best results, so your cat will keep eating.
Cats love to be high up. To keep your cat healthy, provide your cat with a high place to sit. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.
If your cat goes outdoors a lot, the chances are good that they come home filthy once in a while. When your cat is especially dirty or smelling like a skunk, you should make an appointment with the local groomer. Groomers will be gentle with your cat, resulting in a less traumatic experience.
You should keep wet cat food in the refrigerator after it has been opened. Bring it to room temperature before serving it to your cat, because it will smell more enticing to them and be less likely to cause an upset stomach. If you like, place it in the microwave for a bit to warm it up.
If you have ever given your cat a bath, then you know how much they shiver when it is over. This is because their wet fur provides them with no insulation. You can help your cat out by using your hairdryer to dry the hair fast. Just remember not to hold it too close and burn your cat.
If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. In many cases, cheap antibiotics will resolve the problem and keep your cat healthy.
By getting your cat the shots and check-ups that it needs, you’ll be able to make sure that your cat lives as long as possible. A kitten is not so different from a child. It needs properly-scheduled check-ups and immunizations to prevent medical complications down the road. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.
Get your cat all the necessary vaccinations. There are a number of them and you should talk to your veterinarian about the proper schedule. Many are given at the early stages of a kitten’s development, then given annually thereafter. These vaccinations prevent such problems as feline leukemia, rabies and respiratory problems.
If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.
You schedule your doctor’s appointments on a regular basis and you should do the same with your new cat. Cats need regular checkups to make sure they haven’t caught any bugs or infections in the wild. Many cats actually deal with obesity as well and a vet will be able to point this out.
Scoop your cat box several times a day. Cats prefer a very clean environment when they use the restroom, and they will often choose not to use the litter box if it is not clean. Try to scoop it every time they use it for best results, especially if your cats are picky.
You need to take the cat for particular thighs, and it can get costly. It is possible to save a lot of money by using an online retailer to fill prescriptions. Some companies deliver medication to anyone who orders it. This can be convenient and cheap if your cat has to take medications regularly like once a month.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, there are many things to consider when owning a cat. Be sure to use the information provided if you are a cat owner or are seriously considering getting a pet cat. When you take care of your cat, your cat will take care of you.
