Dogs may be man’s best friend, but cats can make pretty great pets too. Whether your cat is aloof or appreciates a good snuggle, a cat can be a wonderful companion. However, cats aren’t always easy to care for. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your cat.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. They have tons of amazing cats who desperately need a home. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.
If you just got your cat you want to take them to the veterinarian right away, especially if it is a feral cat or kitten. Kittens are born with parasites and need shots and medication to get rid of them. Feral cats can carry diseases. This is why it is important to have them checked out immediately.
If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.
Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. They are social creates which need reassurance. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.
Cats frequently groom themselves. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hairballs, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.
Give cat box liners a try. These may not work for everyone, but they can be helpful if they work for you. Line the litter box with one of these liners, and then put cat litter in as usual. If it works correctly, you should be able to gather the liner and dispose of the litter. Unfortunately, sometimes cats just scratch the liner to pieces as they are doing their business.
It is important to make sure that your cat always has fresh water available. You should refill your cats water dish everyday with clean water. There are drinking fountains that provide your cat with a constant stream of fresh water, so you do not have to worry about changing it as often.
Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. Punishment can make your cat fearful in your presence.
Do not leave wet cat food in the bowl for longer than twenty minutes after your cat is done eating it. After you see your kitten is done for the time being, throw out the rest of the food and make sure to wash their bowl thoroughly with light soap and water.
Has your cat stopped using its litter box? If so, consider moving the box into another location. Cats know that during the elimination process they are left somewhat vulnerable, so moving the box to a more private area should help. Try placing it in a laundry room or a basement, where there is limited traffic in the home.
Your kittens don’t want dirty mouths either, so take a toothbrush and clean those gums everyday before breakfast. Without proper brushing, cats can catch diseases, infections, and suffer serious side effects. A few minutes daily keeps these teeth healthy, strong, and sparkling. You should ask a veterinarian how to properly brush your cat’s teeth.
There are things you can eat that your cat cannot. These include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. When a cat eats these items, they can get very sick. Dairy, including milk, is also not a good thing to give your cat.
There are a few human foods that can be quite dangerous if consumed by a cat. Chocolate and onions are two of the foods out there that can be toxic to cats. You should do all of the research you can to make sure that you are not giving your cat any food that can hurt them.
Feed your kitten a variety of cat foods to avoid a finicky cat later. Pick different textures and different brands on a regular basis and your kitten will learn to enjoy new tastes. This can also avoid feeding problems if your usual brand is no longer available in your area.
Living with cats can be frustrating, but it can also be fantastic. Thanks to this article, you should have a lot of ideas on how to better care for your pet. Dog lovers may get more slobbery kisses, but cats are wonderful in their own way. These suggestions will help you appreciate yours.
