You may have trained several dogs in the past, but nothing can prepare you for raising your new feline friend. Cats are nothing like dogs. They require more attention during their growing years and more personal time playing with their owner. This article will highlight some of the main differences between the two.
Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
Keep dangerous chemicals away from your cat. Just like children, cats need to be kept away from items like cleaning materials since they could harm them. These chemicals are basically poison and if your cats consumes some or gets some on them, they could get very sick, get burned, or possibly die. Store these items in a place where your cat can’t find them or use a child-proof lock on their location.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.
Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Cats need a social life with people just like you do with other people. Make her feel like she is part of your family.
Get your cat sprayed and neutered to prevent diseases and infections that form in the reproductive system. This can also help reduce the chance for overpopulation in the country, as just one male who is not neutered can produce up to half a million offspring over the course of his life.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don’t force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he’ll get the idea that it’s there for a reason!
Think hard before allowing your cat outside. It is dangerous in today’s society. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. Let your cat go out in your backyard and play on your lawn.
If you are adding a kitten to a household that already contains a dog, it is important to socialize the kitten to the dog at an early age. At first, constant supervision is essential. Let the kitten and dog spend time together while you hold the kitten, letting them explore and get used to each other’s smells. When socialized early, cats and dogs can live happily and peacefully together.
If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, be sure he gets his shots when he is supposed to an take him for a yearly check-up. Just like with having kids, young cats need to be checked on to see if they’re doing okay from time to time. It also needs its shots so that you can avoid problems later on down the road. Your cat is wonderful addition to the family, and must be cared for in the same way that you would treat all members of your household.
Your cat needs to get regular checkups and vaccinations. This is the only way to make sure that they stay healthy and don’t pick up any illnesses or parasites. A veterinarian can provide these services for you. Animal shelters can be used as well if there isn’t a vet near you.
It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. If your cat is ill, you need to take him to the vet to get proper treatment. Your cat could become very sick or perhaps die when taking your medication.
Even though no two cats are the same, certain breeds are known to possess unique characteristics. For example, bengals and other exotic breeds are notoriously active, especially at night. They have high energy levels and are less cuddly than other domestic cats. Bring home a bengal if you love a unique look and are willing to actively engage your pet.
While both animals are great to have and can peacefully exist with one another under one roof, don’t take adopting a new kitten too lightly. Plan ahead and have enough resources in reserve like cat food and such. If you are going to train your cat indoors, don’t forget to buy extra litter for the first few months because they can get messy.
