Cats can make great pets! Cats are great to have around and millions of people all around the world are enjoying them as pets right now. You should keep reading if you want to learn more about what owning a cat means.
If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.
Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.
To keep your cat happy and healthy, its important to schedule regular visits to the vet. Not only are regular checkups good for catching problems early, but regular visits can insure that your cat keeps up to date on its vaccinations. If you don’t know when the last time your cat had its shots, schedule an appointment for booster shots as soon as possible.
If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. If they only eat the same food, they may never eat another food in the future.
Ensure that your new cat is spayed or neutered. This is important even if your cat will not be outdoors or around cats of the opposite gender. Studies show that spayed cats are less vulnerable to uterine, mammary, and ovarian cancer. Neutering your male cat decreases his risk of developing prostate cancer. Another benefit of neutering is that your cat will not feel compelled to mark his territory by spraying.
If your cat is not getting trained to use the litter box as fast as you would like, there are sprays available that can make things a bit easier. These sprays have a scent that will attract your cat to the box, which means they will be more likely to go there when they need to use the bathroom.
Turn out the lights and use a black-light to identify the source of that mystery cat urine smell. Cat pee contains phosphorus, which glows brightly under this type of light bulb. This is especially useful because otherwise you might not be able to see the exact area to be treated. Use a piece of chalk to lightly trace the outline of the stain so you can see it when you turn the regular lights back on.
Chemicals containing phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. Pine-Sol and Lysol contain this ingredient. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.
If you adopted a cat while you were unemployed and it is now time for you to return to work, your cat may get very lonely around the house. To ensure they’ll stay happy while you’re out of the house, you should consider getting a second cat.
If your cat seems excessively thirsty, take him to the veterinarian to get him checked out. Excessive thirst is a common symptom of diabetes in cats, and this often missed diagnosis can cause serious complications if left untreated. Always keep a close eye on your furry friend’s water intake, and if you are concerned get him to the doctor to have a look.
When the weather turns severely bad, do not leave your cat outside. Types of bad weather include extreme periods of rain, wind and cold. Cats look for places to hide during bad weather, and the place they choose might just be under someone’s car hood. If they are left out, they might be lost once the weather has calmed.
Feed your cat nutritionally balanced foods and always make sure they have fresh water. The best way to have a happy and healthy cat is to give them the nutrition they need to be healthy. Talk to your vet about the best kinds of foods available and the proper amount to feed them.
A clean litter box is essential for a healthy cat. Litter training your cat is relatively easy. It is almost an instinct for a cat to use a litter box. Make sure you scoop it every day and every week completely change the litter and wash the litter box with dish soap.
Take the time to play with your feline friend on a daily basis. Cats love attention and need exercise. They can get both when you spend a little time playing with them. Ask your kitty to chase a feather, throw a small, soft ball so that he can bat it with his paws or just spend a little time rubbing his belly to see what happens. You will have fun and entertain your pet too.
Defend yourself against cats that are intruding. Cats can make great companions. Just remember that cats are delicate creatures that need to always be handled with love and affection. Maybe you’ll find one you fall in love with.
