Cats are great pets when you know what it takes to care for them properly. As the owner of a cat, you have the responsibility of making sure your cat has everything it needs to enjoy life. Keep reading for some great tips every cat owner should know about.
Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Other measures like tags and collars are better than nothing, but your cat may wriggle out of them or they may be torn off by outdoor hazards. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.
Never let your cat experience frequent boredom. Your cat needs plenty of exercise. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this important part of ownership. Bored cats will quickly wreck your home or become obese. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.
Be especially mindful of your cat’s ears when you take them on a trip. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.
Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. This makes it a good idea to have a cat feeding place high up enough that your dog can’t get to it. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.
Cats enjoy being high up. To keep your cat healthy, provide your cat with a high place to sit. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.
Drinking Fountain
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Streaming water is your best bet. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.
Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. This is essential, even for indoor cats. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. The tag your cat wears should display your number and your veterinarian’s information. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.
Cat Urinates
If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. A change in where or how a cat urinates can signal a UTI or other health problem. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.
Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. Although it may look nice, it will look much worse when it sheds all over your home. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.
When your cat is due to deliver babies, ensure that she has a comfortable area with some space. It will take about three to four hours for all of the kittens to come out, so be patient. If, after six hours, you think there are still kittens stuck inside your pet, a trip to the vet is in order.
Keep an eye out for panting. For dogs, panting is typical behavior. Panting can be an indicator of health problems in your cat. It is important to speak to your vet, specifically if your feline has suffered from respiratory issues.
Cats make great pets, but you must care for them properly. As a cat owner, you have great responsibilities, so read this article several times to learn helpful information on caring for cats. Using proper love and care, your cat can enjoy a healthy and great life.