Some people believe cats are magical. They’re smart, but also independent, which makes them a great pet. However, it’s not easy caring for a kitten properly. Read on to find out how to properly care for your cat.
Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. Whenever cats jump on these cords, they might get tangled up in them. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Therefore, ensure that drape cords are pinned away from your cat’s reach.
Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
Flea Products
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs. This is especially true of flea products. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. Cats who love to chew need to be kept away from cords. Any loose cords should be bundled up and placed in things like paper towel rolls. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Nearly every vet and shelter owns a scanner which can read a microchip, and since they’re implanted, there isn’t a risk of the chip falling out or getting lost.
Though a veterinarian will almost always have a supply of medications that your cat needs, it can be more cost-effective to purchase them from online venues. If it’s an emergency, buying online may not be an option. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.
Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
If you’re getting a kitten for your children, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. If your cat is going to be one that stays inside, let the kids know that it’s not allowed outside. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.
Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. You may not have noticed a problem when you see them together, but very kids do not really understand they can accidentally harm or kill a kitten. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.
Litter Box
Don’t try and teach your kitty how the litter box is supposed to be used. This is something that comes naturally and is not learned. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.
If possible, always choose canned cat food. Dry food may cost less, but canned food has more benefits. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Speak with your vet to determine the proper course of action to take.
Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. When cats are suffering from something, they may end up going to the restroom randomly outside of their box. A bladder infection is often at the root of the problem. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
Cats are unique creatures who can make wonderful pets if you learn all you can. Study these tips carefully. Then put your new knowledge to use.