A lot of people out there just don’t know what goes into taking care of a cat. These are great animals to have and don’t take quite as much maintenance as other animals. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn a few things about them. Read this article to help you care for your cat better.
Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat’s life. Your veterinarian needs to know about your pet’s history, and your cat will feel more comfortable if you always take her to the same vet.
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.
Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your cat.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
Refrain from giving your cat any food that is spoiled. This can lead to indigestion and food poisoning, which can cost you a trip to the veterinarian. Always buy your food fresh from the store and be sure to check the expiration date before you feed it to your cat.
Wash your cat’s bed at least once a week to remove all of the bacteria from it. Even if the bed looks like it is clean, it will usually have toxins in it that can cause your pet to become sick. Replace the bed every six months to keep your cat in a sanitary environment.
If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.
Create a tablecloth for the feline. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor. This makes quite a mess. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.
If you’re having an issue with your cat, try to get some input from other cat owners. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. There are also forums on the Internet which cater to cat parents.
If you notice that your cat is not using the litter box as much as usual, you should go and take them to a vet right away. There are several health problems that can cause the cat to stop using the box. These issues include bladder problems, constipation and diarrhea.
Keep track of your feline friend by having the animal microchipped. This small device is implanted beneath the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Microchip implantation may sting for a few seconds, but the implant is otherwise unnoticeable and will not cause your pet any discomfort. This chip makes it easier for animal control to locate your cat if it goes missing.
Most cats are prone to wax build up and ear mites. You can purchase a solution at the pet store that will clean out your cats ears. You put a couple drops in each of your cats ears and then hold them closed while massaging them for a minute. When you let go, stand back or you will get covered in the liquid when your cat shakes its head.
It might seem like a little much for an animal, but you should comb your cat’s hair as often as possible. Combing the hair helps prevent the cat from licking loose fur and building a furball to spit up later. Different cats shed at different rates and some require a lot more maintenance than others.
If your feline just won’t use the litter box, try moving it to a different location. The best place for a litter box is in a secure, quiet area. Cats feel vulnerable when they’re using it, so they want it to be in a place where they feel safe. Some great examples of such locations are basements, laundry rooms or any other less frequently used room in your home.
As you can see, there is quite a bit that goes into having a cat. The main thing you need to have is some patience. Now that you’ve read this article you should have no problem caring for your cat. Use what you have learned here and everything will be a lot easier for you.
