Famed poet T.S. Eliot once described cats as a creature on which a household depends, and there’s definitely some truth in his words. A cat that is healthy and well mannered can be a great addition to any home. Cats are quirky though. Here are some things you need to know if you’re going to be living with a cat.
Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. This will help you save your cat’s life.
When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only. One escape can lead to a lot of small kittens around! Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. They should have regular check ups annually, and more appointments should be made if they need to get important shots. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.
It’s often cheaper to buy medicine for your cat on the Internet instead of through your vet. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can often save up to 50 percent by shopping online.
If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. Letting your cat outside greatly increases his risk level. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, or get injured by a vehicle or another person. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.
Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not be taught. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.
Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.
Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. Canned food provides more water content for your cat as well as more fat and protein. It’s also much softer on older teeth if your cat is getting up there in years. Can food is generally better, but consult your vet first before feeding it to your cat.
Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? Cats shed considerably; therefore, it is very important you brush them frequently. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This will help to prevent tangling and matting.
Owning a cat can be hard at times, but it is worth it. It doesn’t matter if your cat is energetic or totally lazy. These tips will strengthen your bond with your cat. Soon, you’ll be hearing less meows and more purrs.