Cats make great animal friends, but they’re not exactly maintenance-free. Vaccinations, toys and check-ups can set you back a lot of money. Read on to find out what it takes to care for your cat.
Get a pet water fountain. Cats can be prone to dehydration, and running water entices them to drink. It is an evolutionary habit that developed because in the wild, running water is less likely to be contaminated than a stagnant pool. Your pet will enjoy the water more, and will drink more often.
The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!
Cats like to chase birds and catch them. This helps cats to build and deliver crucial hunting skills. But what if you have an indoor cat? You can find cat toys at the pet store that will help you simulate a bird flying around. Your cat will love it, and love you for it.
When training a cat, take the proper approach. Encouragement works better than anger. If you are trying to teach a kitten to use a litterbox, for instance, yelling will only frighten a small cat. When the cat starts to go outside the box, gently place them in the box so they learn.
You should do regular checkups of your cat between veterinarian visits. A good time to do this is when you are petting the animal. Check the entire body for things like scabs and lesions. Also look in and around the ears for any discharge, which can be a sign of ear mites. Check the cat from head to tail.
Playtime is important for kittens as well as older cats. The best games are those that involve hunting and chasing. Try to think like your cat, choosing toys like feathers on string. The cat is attracted to the movement of the toy, so he will love to chase it if you pull it along without him seeing you. It is important to let your pet win occasionally, to keep him interested.
Get your cat all the necessary vaccinations. There are a number of them and you should talk to your veterinarian about the proper schedule. Many are given at the early stages of a kitten’s development, then given annually thereafter. These vaccinations prevent such problems as feline leukemia, rabies and respiratory problems.
With dogs, tail wagging is a sign they’re in a good mood, or glad their owners are around. Cats move their tails for a very different reason. Cats wag tails if they sense conflict, or if they’re trying to decide whether to fight or flee. If you’re snuggling your kitty and you see its tail wag, it’s a sign you should put it down before you get scratched.
Sometimes it seems as if your cat is sleeping all of his 9 lives away, however, this is perfectly normal. It is not unusual for cats to sleep up to 16 hours per day, and even more. Much of their sleep is light sleep, an instinct that keeps them ready in the event that a predator is nearby. About 25 percent of their sleep is deep sleep, where they dream and conserve energy. Cats love to sleep-a lot!
Your food isn’t necessarily good for your cat. Common foods that are poisonous to cats include: garlic, grapes, onions and tomatoes. These foods are healthy for humans, but they can make cats very sick. Milk can too. It can give your cat stomach pains.
When you’re smitten with your kitten, it’s tempting to dole out treats generously. However, treats are meant to be just that. They lack the nutritional value of regular cat food. Treats should not make up more than 5 percent of your pet’s daily diet. Any more than that may prevent your cat from receiving the nutrients it needs for good health.
Cats have shockingly sharp noses, which means they can spot changes in their home with ease. This may cause a problem if you give them a new bed, scratching post or food dish. Don’t let this discourage you. Eventually the cat will get used to the smell and things will go back to normal.
Veterinarian visits are expensive, though often necessary. You can save a great deal of money by filling your cat’s prescriptions online. Some companies deliver right to your door. Simple medications that your cat needs to take regularly (e.g., pills for heart worm and flea dip) are especially well-suited to online purchasing.
As you can see, cats are not an exception when it comes to the necessity of spending money on on your pets. Cats have complex requirements, which leads many people to compare their needs to those of a small child. As this article has shown, there are many things that must be done to keep your cat happy and healthy.
