If you know what to do to care for your cat, then the cat makes a great pet. To be a responsible cat owner, you need to educate yourself on the best ways to care for your cat and find the best advice to make sure your little feline friend enjoys many great years with you. This article is like a Rosetta Stone of cat care information.
Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor cat.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Be sure to read the ingredient label. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.
Should you leave the house with your cat, make sure that she is wearing a collar with tags. This way, if anything happens and you two become separated, anyone can find her and know how to reach you. Your cat may not like the collar all the time, but when she’s out of the house it can save her.
Cats can really be so much more than pets, they can be lifelong companions. It has been proven that cats can decrease your blood pressure, lessen the symptoms of depression and help you to live a longer happier life. If you feel like something is missing in your life, you might just need a cat.
Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. Try locating your cat’s food in an area where the dog cannot go. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
Play with your cat. A lot of cat owners don’t do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags and any number of small toys to get your cat moving.
If you have a kitten, a very important part of raising him is to get him socialized. This means making sure he is comfortable in many situations. These include: handling by humans, grooming and nail care, vet visits, and other social situations. The time to do this is between ten and twelve weeks of age.
Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. Cats prefer used scratching posts. When you bring in a new post, the cat may ignore it.
Consider buying your cat a special drinking fountain. Cats like running water in the wild, as well as in the home. Cats respond well to this stream of water. Actually, certain cats like to drink right from the sink faucet as it runs. A drinking fountain will be good for the environment and can help the cat to enjoy its water more.
If your cat is bitten by another cat, try to get him to the vet within 24 hours. The vet can put him on antibiotics that will protect him from infection setting in, and causing serious health problems. Cat bites can trap bacteria under your cat’s skin, forming an abscess, or other dangerous infection that can cost you hundreds of dollars to treat later.
When your cat first gives birth to her kittens, resist the urge to pick them up. This is a crucial time for kittens to bond with their mother and learn some basics, so leave them alone. You should be able to have more interaction with the kittens after about a week.
You schedule your doctor’s appointments on a regular basis and you should do the same with your new cat. Cats need regular checkups to make sure they haven’t caught any bugs or infections in the wild. Many cats actually deal with obesity as well and a vet will be able to point this out.
Make sure to provide your cats with toys. Many people consider toys a need for dogs, but they do not feel the same about cats. Cats need stimulation throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Toys can provide this. Keep your cats from boredom by remembering this tip.
If you have a diabetic cat, consider a grain free diet. There are many studies that show grains will increase blood sugar readings and cause problems for a cat with a diagnosis of diabetes. You can choose to go grain free with a raw food diet for your friend or purchase a ready made food that is missing wheat, corn and soy.
Proper care of your pet cat is essential to his happiness and yours. Be sure and use the information in the article below if you are serious about taking care of your cat. You and your cat can enjoy a long relationship by following the tips presented here.
