The joys of owning a cat are endless. Make no mistake, though: Being a responsible cat owner involves putting in quite a bit of effort. There are special considerations that need to be considered when you own a cat. Here you’ll see exactly what those are. Keep reading to discover some great tips on caring for your feline companions.
Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. If your kittens are keeping you awake into the middle of the night, close the door to your bedroom. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Look online for cat medicine. Sometimes you might not have time to wait for an online order to arrive however, such as if your cat needs an immediate antibiotic or emergency treatment. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.
Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. Therefore, try to turn down your music or keep if off altogether so your cat has a better trip.
When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. They like responding to encouragement better. Therefore, place your cat’s favorite toy into its career. Leave the carrier open in a location that your cat frequently visits. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. This makes transporting much easier.
Don’t throw away your cat’s old scratching post. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.
Drinking Fountain
You need to provide your cat with a drinking fountain. When cats are in the wild they tend to prefer water that is running when they are thirsty, this applies to cats at home. Streams of water will attract your cat. Actually, certain cats like to drink right from the sink faucet as it runs. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.
Pay attention if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box properly. It may be the sign of an underlying medical issue. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.
Are you having a hard time getting rid of cat hair? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. If your cat sheds a lot, you need to brush it more often. Brushing can help prevent their fur from matting or tangling.
Dogs will wag their tails often to show their owners that they’re excited to see them. Cats also wag their tails, but for totally different reasons. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.
Do not use chemicals around your cat that contain phenol. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Not only do cats intensely dislike the smell, the chemical can also cause liver damaged if they are exposed to it for a lengthy time.
Beware of panting. For dogs, panting is typical behavior. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. Contacting your veterinarian is a good idea, particularly for cats that have built up a history of respiratory difficulties over time.
Overfeeding your cat can dramatically affect its future health. They can develop diabetes or heart disease, just like humans. Carefully monitor your cat’s portions to make sure they eat a balanced diet.
Cats get some illnesses that we do. You know your friend’s habits, and you should be able to tell when they’re not feeling well. Because a cat can go downhill rather quickly, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. That will ensure that it is a small infection, rather than a serious issue.
Don’t let a cat out if you don’t want it to get fleas, feline AIDS or other diseases. Indoor cats almost never get these ailments.
Vet bills are rarely small. You can save a great deal of money by filling your cat’s prescriptions online. There are a number of businesses that will ship the medication right to you. This is great for medicine like flea treatments and heart worm pills that your cat takes monthly.
Be wary of your cat around your Christmas tree come the holiday season. Cats can become curious and climb the tree, causing problems for both your cat and your family. Make sure your cat isn’t near the tree, and be mindful of loose tinsel or stray ornaments.
There are many great benefits that a cat brings to the table. However, if you want your cat to live a long and happy life, you have to take proper care of it. Apply what you’ve learned here, if you’re thinking of adding a cat to your life.