Dogs may be man’s best friend, but cats can make pretty great pets too. Whether your cat is aloof or appreciates a good snuggle, a cat can be a wonderful companion. However, cats aren’t always easy to care for. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your cat.
You should be bringing your cat to their vet for a check-up regularly. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. They’ll understand what your cat has been through.
Make a free toy for your cat by placing a little dry rice or a few dry beans inside an empty pill bottle. Close the lid and roll the rattly toy across the floor. Most cats can’t resist the sound and motion. You can also tie a length of twine around the neck of the bottle to make a pull toy or a dangly toy.
To keep your cat happy and healthy, its important to schedule regular visits to the vet. Not only are regular checkups good for catching problems early, but regular visits can insure that your cat keeps up to date on its vaccinations. If you don’t know when the last time your cat had its shots, schedule an appointment for booster shots as soon as possible.
Make sure you have a good pet carrier or basket for transporting your cats from one location to the next. A proper carrier or basket should have enough room for them to turn around in comfortably. It should also be easy to clean. Make sure that it is lined with a blanket, cushion, or towel to help it stay comfortable and cozy for them when traveling.
If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.
Cats are nocturnal animals. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.
You should do regular checkups of your cat between veterinarian visits. A good time to do this is when you are petting the animal. Check the entire body for things like scabs and lesions. Also look in and around the ears for any discharge, which can be a sign of ear mites. Check the cat from head to tail.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
Think about the extra work before buying a long-haired cat. Cats are beautiful with hair that is long and silky. Your clothes, floors and furniture aren’t. You must be willing to spend more time cleaning your home. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.
When your cat has kittens, it can be tempting to get rid of them as soon as possible, but you should wait a reasonable amount of time. A kitten needs to learn a few things from mom before going off into the world alone, so give him six weeks to learn all he can.
Protect your cat and your kid by demonstrating the proper way to show affection for the animal. Few things are more appealing to children than the sight of a soft, fluffy cat, and they might be tempted to hug or squeeze the animal. Instead, teach your child to allow the animal to come to you rather than pursuing it. Tell them to use a light touch and avoid making direct eye contact with the cat
If your cat has a problem with frequent hairballs, he may end up with digestive problems, retching and vomiting. The best way to avoid hairballs is to keep your cat well-groomed, brushing him daily to remove loose hair. Less hair means less hairballs. Another benefit of frequent brushing is that is great for bonding with your cat. Most cats love to be brushed and groomed.
Preventing hairballs can help keep your cat sanitary and safe. Put 1 tsp of pumpkin puree in their food. Mixing the pumpkin up with water drained from a can of tuna (again, one teaspoon’s worth) may also help. Some cat foods even have anti-hairball benefits.
Reconsider before you let your cat have table scraps as treats. Cats can’t digest many human foods, and many are even dangerous to them. A great treat for your cat is a little bit of egg or cooked beef or chicken. Your cat has a proper diet if he is getting the proper food for his weight and age.
One of the best things you can do for your cat as a responsible pet owner is to spay or neuter the animal. Cats are instinctively curious. Indoor cats do get out occasionally. When your cat escapes for just a minute, they may impregnate another or become pregnant themselves. Millions of wonderful cats die each year simply because of overpopulation.
Living with cats can be frustrating, but it can also be fantastic. Thanks to this article, you should have a lot of ideas on how to better care for your pet. Dog lovers may get more slobbery kisses, but cats are wonderful in their own way. These suggestions will help you appreciate yours.
