A few purrs, a smart animal and a delightful companion. Those are the qualities that define a cat. But these kitties can be a total handful though. You need this post to help. There are tons of tips here that will help both you and your cat. Read on to get some great tips!
Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. For the most consistent pet care, choose one veterinarian and stick with them. This helps make sure your vet knows your cat’s history.
When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season. Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.
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.
Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.
Do not assume that because a medication is okay for you to take, that it is safe for your cat as well. Many medications made for humans are lethal to cats, such as acetaminophen containing drugs and aspirin. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your cat anything.
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.
Have patience with your cat. Remember that your cat is not a dog, and may not be as easily trainable as one. However, if you are being clear in your commands and gently encouraging them, you’ll find that your cat responds the way you want him to. Just be patient.
Cats have an uncanny ability to always find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat to familiarize themselves with the smells of your new place. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. Using the bathroom outside of the litter box is linked to a number of cat health issues. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. You should take your cat to the vet if you think there is something wrong with your pet.
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.
There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
Sometimes cats can have problems with arthritis when they get older. This makes it harder for them to get around. You can buy them a heated bed to lay in to help ease the discomfort. It is also a good idea to talk to the vet about any medications that might help out.
Buy a fountain for your cat. Cats have a tendency to not drink enough water. This can leave them dehydrated. They often prefer running water to water sitting out in a bowl. If you suspect your kitty isn’t drinking enough, consider investing in a cat fountain to avoid health problems.
There are a few human foods that can be quite dangerous if consumed by a cat. Chocolate and onions are two of the foods out there that can be toxic to cats. You should do all of the research you can to make sure that you are not giving your cat any food that can hurt them.
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.
Dry food is great for cats. Small kittens do well on wet food, since their teeth are small. As they grow older, dry foods ensure that their teeth are strong. If you have an extremely finicky cat, you could mix dry and wet food together.
You should use the different tips you just read. It will help you be much better cat owner. There is no denying that the quality of your companionship is improved greatly when your cat receives the care it needs. Using these tips will show you the way.