There are so many joys you can get from just having a cat. It does take a lot of work to own a cat, though. The commitment involves many things that you should take into account. Thankfully, this piece will explain some of these responsibilities. Keep reading!
If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Keep your cat properly groomed. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.
Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. Most office stores sell a tube that you can stick all of your wires and cords through if the spray doesn’t work. Use some paper towel rolls to tuck loose cords. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.
A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. They love being above everything so that they can watch it all. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.
Microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. The majority of veterinarians possess scanners that can read your chips. Because these chips are placed underneath your cat’s skin, they won’t get lost.
Litter Box
Put the litter box in an ideal location. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Put it in a ventilated area to reduce odors. Not only will your cat appreciate it but you will too.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. These are very painful and expensive to treat. To stop this from happening, make sure your cat’s food doesn’t have much magnesium in it. Consult the ingredient list. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.
Find cat medicine online if you want to get discounts. If it’s an emergency, buying online may not be an option. However, if you buy meds for your cat on a regular basis, you can save huge amounts by getting medication via the Internet.
You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. Cage in an area for a cat in your backyard if they must go outside.
Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. Kids of this age aren’t old enough to know how dangerous a cat can be. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.
Cats love to be high up. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. If you’re averse to cat trees for some reason, a shelf without breakable items will work. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
You should brush your cat on a regular basis. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the fur. Additionally, brushing helps to expedite hair shedding. This is a good way to avoid hairballs, which are a serious health problem since they can cause choking.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Dogs and cats will respond differently to punishment. Encouragement is a better way to get your cats to perform. Place a loved blanket and favorite toy into a carrier and then leave the door open. Make sure it’s in an area that the cat frequents. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.
Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. This is the condition that cats like the most. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
Don’t buy cheap cat food. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Cats are meant to eat meat, and that means that they need to have foods that are high in protein.
There are so many reasons why cats are such popular and beloved pets. A cat is a serious responsibility as well, though, and you should do your best to take care of its needs. Use these tips to make your cat’s life complete.