The care and companionship you provide for your cat can improve its quality of life. In some cases, it can even save a life! Cats and kittens are often found in shelters, just waiting for a loving family to adopt them. You simply have to adopt one, and the article below will teach you how.
Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. Replace it every three hours or so.
Flea Products
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. Flea products are a great example of this. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. Be sure that the pet’s name and also your home number are on the tag.
Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. One way to nip this problem in the bud is to give your cat a dedicated perch of their own as an alternative to using your space. If you place a cat tower around the kitchen area, they may be less likely to lay on your counters.
Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. Show them how to gently pick kitty up and what kinds of activities are appropriate. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.
There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.
Don’t throw away your cat’s old scratching post. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.
You cat should get cat food that is of a good quality. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.
Does your home feel inundated with balls of cat fur? Since cats shed so much, you must remember to brush them regularly. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. It’s also a great aid to keeping the cat’s coat as pristine as possible.
Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. Kids need shots, and so do cats. Your cat is wonderful addition to the family, and must be cared for in the same way that you would treat all members of your household.
Litter Box
Take note if the cat ceases using its litter box. Abandoning proper litter box habits is often a warning sign of serious health problems in cats. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. If this happens, you are advised to take your cat to the vet.
Sometimes, foods are healthy for humans but not for cats. Garlic and onions are popular examples. If your cat eats these foods, he may become sick or even die. Milk is another food to stay away from.
Never offer table scraps to your cat. Because of the additives and cooking techniques used in human food, you should avoid feeding it to your cat. If you want to make a special treat for your cat, it will like a small amount of eggs, beef or chicken. Giving your cat the recommended amount of cat food provides a complete feline diet.
You want to be sure your cat has a collar with tags on all the time. If it ever finds a way outside, you will be happy you did. A tagged animal has a much better chance of being brought home.
It’s tempting to give your cat a bath to get them all fresh and shiny again. Fortunately, you don’t have to bathe your feline very often. The only exception is if the animal gets into something particular sticky or gooey. Cats do a good job of grooming themselves. Cats are really picky about their appearance.
Don’t let parasites like fleas and ticks attach themselves to your pet. Always use treatments to deter them. An effective medication is monthly drops. Fleas and ticks can cause disease in your cat, and using one of these medications is the best way to prevent that. Choose a cat-specific brand to ensure their safety.
Caring for a cat is an accomplishment to be proud of. The love you give to a cat fulfills one of its basic needs. You and your cat will form a bond that will last as long as you both will live. Take care of your cat and your cat will take care of you.