when it comes to owning a cat, there are many things an owner needs to be responsible for. If you are considering getting a cat for a pet, this article is for you. Read on and learn what things every cat owner should know in order for their pet to be happy and healthy.
Never have your cat declawed. Many people misunderstand declawing, thinking it is the simple removal of a cat’s nail. This is not true. In fact, the veterinarian must remove the top knuckle along with the claw during the procedure. This can result in arthritis pain later in life and many behavior problems, such as biting. There are many alternatives from scratching posts to glue-on claw caps that can protect your belongings from a cat’s claws without resorting to such a harsh surgical solution.
Wash your cat’s bed at least once a week to remove all of the bacteria from it. Even if the bed looks like it is clean, it will usually have toxins in it that can cause your pet to become sick. Replace the bed every six months to keep your cat in a sanitary environment.
Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. Your cat will experience considerable pain when he has to pass these crystals, and it’s not an easy (or cheap) problem for your veterinarian to fix. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. Read the labels. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.
Having a hard time giving your cat a bath? Try this. Take an old window screen and put it in your sink or bathtub. Put your cat in, and he will claw the screen and stay there. Then start washing, but do don’t dilly dally. Use a cup to help you to pour warm water on your cat unless you have a movable shower head.
Give serious thought to spaying or neutering your cat. Your vet can give you the pros and cons of both, but if you plan to keep your cat for a long period of time you should consider this operation. Cat overpopulation is a real problem, and you can do your part.
It is important to make sure that your cat always has fresh water available. You should refill your cats water dish everyday with clean water. There are drinking fountains that provide your cat with a constant stream of fresh water, so you do not have to worry about changing it as often.
If you suspect that your cat is pregnant, make an appointment with the vet as soon as you can to make sure that is really the case. There are a few serious illnesses that can mimic pregnancy, so you want to make sure that none of these has affected your cat.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
When it comes to cat litter, you should scoop out all of the waste on a daily basis. Cats will not use a litter box that is overflowing with waste, and they will start looking for somewhere else to use the bathroom. Change the entire box at least once every few weeks.
Don’t give your cat medicine that is meant for humans. If you cat suffers from health issues, ask your vet for his recommended treatment option. Drugs and medicines designed for human consumption can cause serious health problems for cats, and in extreme cases, can even be fatal.
Keep an eye on your cat if he or she is panting. Dogs normally do pant. Panting in a cat possibly indicates something serious is going on. Talk to a vet right away when panting persists.
Be aware of holes around your home that your cat can get into. Cats can fit through very small gaps. This is particularly true for kittens. Be aware of this when you are bringing a new cat into the home. Repair or cover any good-sized holes you locate.
While you must use the vet for particular needs, those bills sure can stack up. You can save money on medications by ordering them online. Some companies actually deliver medications straight to your home. For medications you use frequently, this is a great choice.
Make sure you regularly use a flea and tick treatment on your cat. There are plenty of drops that will easily take care of the problem. These medicines can protect your pet from blood-leeching parasites that can cause diseases. Be sure that any treatment you purchase is designed to be used on cats so that it will help your pet, not harm it.
Don’t let your cat go outside if there is going to be bad weather. This means you should keep them out of the cold, the wind, and the rain. When it is bad outside, cats search for a hiding place, which may be under a car’s hood. Keeping a cat outside during such weather events increases the chance that the cat might become injured or die.
While owning a cat has many benefits, it also requires a great deal of work. Be sure and implement the tips and tricks mentioned in the article above in order to give your cat the best life possible. A happy cat will serve as a wonderful companion for years and years.
