Cats need to eat a balanced diet with proper vitamins and minerals, just like humans do. In the absence of such a dietary plan, cats will become malnourished or overweight. These tips can help you prevent that.
Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.
When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.
Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.
Litter Box
Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.
Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. A fountain will allow your cat to have the happiness of drinking from running water.
Feed your pet canned food. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. This will make it easier for your older cats to digest. Discuss this with your vet, who may tell you to feed your cat canned food.
If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Give them a bit more time to begin to get used to each other face to face, too.
If your cat urinates frequently or outside his box, you may need to talk to your vet. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. Some inexpensive antibiotics can clear up a potentially dangerous illness.
Play is an important part of a cat’s life. Of course, all mammals like to play, regardless of age or species. Older cats might not be quite as energetic as they used to be, but light play can still be fun for them. Make sure you play with your cat at least once a day.
Is there cat hair all over every surface in your home? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. If your cat sheds a lot, brush it a lot. This will ensure your cat’s coat is tangle-free and not matted.
One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats wag or move their tails from side to side as well, but not for the reasons dogs do. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. Likewise, if you are holding your cat, and he suddenly starts to wag his tail, you may need to let him down to avoid swats or scratches to yourself!
Your cat’s diet is very important to the overall state of his health. Eating too much of the wrong foods, or too little of the right foods can put your cat in terrible shape, and even cut their life span. Ensure your cat’s longevity and health by providing it with the food it needs.