Having a cat can be a rewarding experience. They are smart, gorgeous animals that don’t take much work, as far as having pets go. However, they still require attention and care in order to stay healthy and satisfied. Here are some cat care tips to help you with this great pet.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.
Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Choose a low magnesium food. Read the ingredient list on the label. Cat food with lots of fish tends to have more magnesium, while products with lots of poultry tend to have less.
If your cat seems to want to avoid his food bowl, try getting a different kind of bowl. Plastic can sometimes turn a cat off if it isn’t cleaned constantly, and can hold on to certain scents. Try glass or a metal bowl for best results, so your cat will keep eating.
If you going to be gone for more than a day, you should have someone look in on your cat. Leave out plenty of food, but have someone come to make sure it doesn’t run out. If you do not have a neighbor or family to look in on your cat, you can usually find a cat sitter for a few dollars each day.
Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.
A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Cats often like to remove food from their bowl to eat it off to the side. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. Something as simple as a place mat can help make cleanup easier.
A cat’s nails can grow really quickly. They sharpen their nails by scratching on different surfaces like a scratching post. You can help avoid your cat destroying your furniture by clipping their nails often. This will help to discourage your cat from scratching at different things around your house.
When bringing a new kitten home, take it slow. It is tempting for children to want to play with the new addition to your home immediately. But the young cat will likely be scared. Give the cat time to acclimate itself to your home and to get comfortable with everyone.
If your cat goes outdoors a lot, the chances are good that they come home filthy once in a while. When your cat is especially dirty or smelling like a skunk, you should make an appointment with the local groomer. Groomers will be gentle with your cat, resulting in a less traumatic experience.
It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
If you just own one cat but are considering obtaining another one, then you should ensure you allow a few weeks for your old cat and new one to become familiar with each other. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. But, eventually, they will get used to the idea, and begin to tolerate, and even enjoy, each other’s company.
A kitty door is a great way to allow your cat to go in and out, without any help from you. You can also use kitty doors on doors inside your home. This can be great if you have a dog or small children, to keep them out of the room with the litter box.
If your pet is avoiding its litter box, try moving it to a different spot. A cat knows that when it’s going to the bathroom it’s in a vulnerable situation, so you should make sure the box is in a calm, secure location. Areas away from high activity are a good choice, such as basements and laundry rooms.
After reading this article, you now have an idea of what your cat needs to remain a happy feline. Just put the tips in this article into your daily practice, and you will discover that your cat is even easier to take care of. Then, you will have even more time to enjoy your cat.
