Cats are wonderful pets, if you understand how to take care of them. A little self-education can transform you into the kind of responsible cat owner that keeps their feline friends happy and affectionate over the course of a long and healthy life. Thankfully, the experts have provided what you need to know below.
Groom your cat. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.
Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.
Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.
If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.
You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. Use some paper towel rolls to tuck loose cords. Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you’re not using them.
Make sure your cat is not too bored. Cats require plenty of exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. If they’re inside kitties, get them a post or something else that they can scratch and climb.
You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. There are many dangers to your cat outside. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. If letting your cat outdoors is important to you, let them out in a safe fenced area.
Drinking Fountain
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Cat usually respond well to streams. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.
If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. Even though that nice coat of beautiful silky fur looks great, it can leave a mess on your floors, furniture and clothing. You should not get a cat with long-hair unless you are ready to do a lot of cleaning. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.
Is your cat shedding like a madman? Cats are big shedders, so you should brush them frequently. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.
Don’t ever declaw cats that go outdoors. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. Cats should only be declawed if they’re going to be inside fulltime. If you do choose to have your cat declawed, only the front claws should be removed. Leaving the back claws are important so that your cat can scratch themselves.
You cannot keep a cat as a pet if you are not prepared to properly care for it. Use what you learned here for a happy and healthy cat. With the love and care that you provide it, you will make sure that your cat has a happy and healthy life.