Everyone knows that cats make great pets. However, not everyone understands what it takes to properly care for your cat. While they are famous for being independent, there is still a lot of work to be done on the owners part. The article below will illustrate what every cat owner needs to know.
If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.
Keep a clean litter box. Like you, a cat will generally not use a bathroom that is filthy. Find a quiet area out of the way that the box can stay in, and don’t move it unless absolutely necessary. Scoop solids out a couple time of day. Make sure to dump the whole box, wash it with a gentle detergent, and refill it once a week.
If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
It’s often cheaper to buy medicine for your cat on the Internet instead of through your vet. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.
Do you love your cat but suffer from allergies? If giving up your feline-friend is not something that you can do, try these things first. Get rid of as much carpeting as possible because your cats dander gets trapped in it. You can also not allow your cat in your bedroom at all. This will make living with your cat easier on your allergies.
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.
Play with your cat. A lot of cat owners don’t do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags and any number of small toys to get your cat moving.
If you have a kitten, a very important part of raising him is to get him socialized. This means making sure he is comfortable in many situations. These include: handling by humans, grooming and nail care, vet visits, and other social situations. The time to do this is between ten and twelve weeks of age.
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. If you toss it away in favor of something newer, your cat may look for something older to scratch, and that may end up being your furniture.
Keep track of your feline friend by having the animal microchipped. This small device is implanted beneath the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Microchip implantation may sting for a few seconds, but the implant is otherwise unnoticeable and will not cause your pet any discomfort. This chip makes it easier for animal control to locate your cat if it goes missing.
If you are adding a kitten to a household that already contains a dog, it is important to socialize the kitten to the dog at an early age. At first, constant supervision is essential. Let the kitten and dog spend time together while you hold the kitten, letting them explore and get used to each other’s smells. When socialized early, cats and dogs can live happily and peacefully together.
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 want a cat with long hair, be prepared to put in extra time and care. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. You should not get a cat with long-hair unless you are ready to do a lot of cleaning. Not to mention cats that have long hair are more prone to getting issues with hairballs.
Cats are some of the most lovable and comforting pets a person can own. However, there is a great deal of responsibility that comes with being a cat owner. Be sure and use the advice mentioned in the article above so that your cat can live a long and healthy life.
