Owning a cat can be be very rewarding. They make very comforting pets. However, there is also a lot of hard work that goes into being a cat owner. The article below has some great tips on how you can take proper care of your cat. Read on and learn.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Take your cat to the vet periodically. A lot of cat owners tend to avoid the vet because it can be harder to get a cat ready to go anywhere she does not want to go! It is also easy to avoid the vet because cats seem so self-reliant. However, it’s smart to get your cat to the vet to avoid any problems.
Do not flush clumpable litter in your toilet. This can lead to problems with your plumbing. Instead just lift the clumps and dispose of them in a trash bag. Don’t forget, moisture is what makes the litter clump in the first place! Avoid doing that to your pipes and just dispose of it properly.
When you introduce a new cat into your home, you have to be careful with how your other cat reacts. Try giving the new cat a little space in one room at first, and then introduce him to the rest of the house. Make sure to have different litter boxes at first too. If you ease the new cat in, it will go more smoothly for everyone.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. That hair will truly get everywhere! If you don’t mind cleaning, get a long-haired cat. There will be hairball issues as well.
It might seem like a little much for an animal, but you should comb your cat’s hair as often as possible. Combing the hair helps prevent the cat from licking loose fur and building a furball to spit up later. Different cats shed at different rates and some require a lot more maintenance than others.
Don’t give cats human medication. If your cat needs medication, then you should take your cat to the vet. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.
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.
When adopting a cat, consider adopting two. Cats are social creatures, and they prefer to be in the company of other feline friends. Having two will help to keep your kitty occupied, and it can make it easier to take care of your new pet. If owning two is not an option, make sure to spend extra time giving your cat love.
If you have a diabetic cat, consider a grain free diet. There are many studies that show grains will increase blood sugar readings and cause problems for a cat with a diagnosis of diabetes. You can choose to go grain free with a raw food diet for your friend or purchase a ready made food that is missing wheat, corn and soy.
Much like people, cats have been known to develop food allergies later in life. Any time you introduce a new type of treat or food into your pet’s diet, watch them closely for signs of an allergic reaction. These include shortness of breath, hives, and erratic behavior. If possible, determine which ingredients are the culprit and ask your vet for recommendations.
Cats will generally do whatever pleases them, and this is fine, just as long as it doesn’t destroy your property. A little training can go along way in keeping your items safe. Be gentle with your cats, and don’t scream, yell, or use violence with them. Whistles and squirt guns can alert your cat that they’re doing something wrong.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, there are many benefits to owning a cat for a pet. However, if you want your cat to live a long and healthy life, you must take proper care of it. Be sure and use the tips mentioned so that your cat remains happy and healthy.