It isn’t always easy to make a cat happy. When you first get them, they can seem very mysterious. Use the tips in this article to better take care of your cat. These tips will show you how to take good care of your cats.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.
Microchip your cat. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.
Litter Box
Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.
Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.
Think twice before letting your cat outside. This can compromise your cat’s safety. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. When your cats go outside, keep an eye out to make sure they do not wander too far away.
Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. A cat should not be left alone with a child under five years of age. Small children don’t have the mental capacity to understand that certain activities are dangerous to the kitten. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.
Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. They’re doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.
It is important that your cat always where a collar that identifies them. This is important even if your pet lives indoors. Cats love to explore, and if they see an opportunity to go outside, they will take it. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.
Haired Cats
There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. All that hair will be literally everywhere. Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.
Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. A kitten is not so different from a child. It needs properly-scheduled check-ups and immunizations to prevent medical complications down the road. When you have a cat, it becomes a member of your family, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.
Keep cats inside as much as you can, or at least close to you or your home. Cats that stay inside have been shown to live much longer than the ones that are allowed to roam your neighborhood. Daily exercise with you doesn’t need to create risks for other cat attacks or diseases from the wild.
Cats’ powerful olfactory abilities mean that they can smell changes in their home. This can be troublesome sometimes if you’re trying to feed the cat new food or give it new toys. Don’t let this discourage you. Once your cat becomes accustomed to this smell, he or she will begin to like it.
Be aware of any panting. Panting is completely normal in dogs. Panting can mean your cat is anxious or overheated, but it may also be something very serious. Talk to a vet right away when panting persists.
You may not be able to impress your cat, but proper care will certainly not go unnoticed. Put these tips to use so you can make your cat happy. Your cat just might start playing nice! Well…maybe.