Cats are very unique animals. They’re smart, but also independent, which makes them a great pet. Caring for a cat takes a concentrated effort. Keep reading to learn more about proper cat care so that your cat will remain healthy and happy.
Properly groom your cat. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If yu do this quite often, it will help them stay clean. It will reduce shedding, which means that they won’t be experiencing a ton of hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.
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.
Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.
Have your cat spayed or neutered. Pet overpopulation is a growing problem, with millions of homeless cats and kittens euthanized every year. Besides the problem of too many kittens and not enough homes, unfixed cats can have a multitude of behavior problems. Males who are not neutered at a young age often start spraying to mark their territory, and females who are allowed to come into heat yowl incessantly as they try to escape to find a mate. Kittens can begin to breed as early as 4 months of age, so get your new kitten spayed or neutered as soon as possible.
You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. Sadly, many cat owners do not understand the importance of this. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.
You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. Find your child’s age of maturity when it comes to handling pets.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
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.
When you introduce a new cat into your home, you have to be careful with how your other cat reacts. Try giving the new cat a little space in one room at first, and then introduce him to the rest of the house. Make sure to have different litter boxes at first too. If you ease the new cat in, it will go more smoothly for everyone.
Just as important as it is to take care of your own teeth, you need to take care of your cats as well. Cats can develop tarter and plaque build-up over time. Purchasing a toothbrush and toothpaste made specially for felines is a great way to keep your cats teeth clean and healthy.
Understand the difference between cat play and real aggression. Both activities can look the same to an untrained eye, but there are differences. When two cats are playing, they will bat each other around with claws retracted. They will “bite” with their jaws loose. Real aggression will involve hisses, squeals and hard biting.
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.
There is no need to bathe a cat since they are able to do most of their cleaning by themselves. The only way that you should bathe a cat is if there is something on their coat that has not come off for a good length of time, like oil and chemicals.
Hairballs can definitely be a problem. Brushing your cats fur should be your first step, but if that doesn’t help, here are a few additional tips. Mix one teaspoon of pumpkin into your cat’s regular food. You may also use some tuna packing water to mix with your pumpkin. There are cat foods that have anti-hairball components in them, like extra fiber, that can help.
Overfeeding a cat is a bad idea. Eating over the normal amount can cause them to develop serious health problems or become obese. Take care to feed your cat the correct portion sizes. A balanced, nutritious diet is important.
Keep an eye out for places you want the cat to stay away from. Cats are able to fit through gaps that are very small. This especially applies to kittens. Beware of this as you bring a new kitty into your home. Get holes repaired or covered up as you find them.
Cats make amazing pets for you and your family, as long as you know how to take care of them. Carefully read over the advice found in this article. Put everything you’ve learned to use to keep your cat happy and healthy.
