If you were able to save a cat’s life, would you? Cats in shelters need you. It only takes some knowledge and commitment to care for a cat. Read here about how to approach the process properly.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. This will keep your cat’s coat clean. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.
If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Take your cat to the vet every year. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.
A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. Sooner or later, they’ll love to use it.
It may prove quite a challenge to make your cat stay off counter tops. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off the counter.
Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better. Turn down the music and let the cat rest.
Cats and small children may not always mix. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.
If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. This can be very unsafe for your cat. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. Because of this, you should keep your cat’s food in a high spot that your dog won’t be able to reach. The added benefit is that you will prevent fights over the other animals food and water when one of them runs out.
Cats enjoy climbing on things. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If a cat tree is not in your future, providing a stable shelving unit with no small items on it will do very well. Additionally, you can place a bed or blanket in this space.
Make sure that you brush your cat’s coat often. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin’s blood flow. You will also decrease the amount of fur throughout your home. This can keep hairballs at bay because this can choke up a cat and also build up in its stomach.
Give your cat canned food. Dry food may cost less, but canned food has more benefits. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. It is easier for older cats to chew. Talk to the veterinarian prior to making any big changes; but, usually, canned food is best for your cat.
Make sure your cat has identification and a collar all the time. This is essential even for indoor cats. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that’s open invites exploration. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. This is very important if your pet is likely to get lost or has some medical needs.
You should be proud about caring for your cat. You’re opening up your home and providing love to a cat that truly needs it. The bonds between a cat and its owner can last a lifetime. Be sure you properly care for your cat, and it will also take care of you.