A cat can make a wonderful addition to your family. Those who have never owned a cat before would be wise to read the following article. Below are some great tips and tricks that every cat owner needs to know in order to live happily with their new feline friend.
If you have multiple cats, save money on cat dishes by checking your local dollar store for salsa dishes. You can usually get a package of three for a dollar. These are sturdy and come in pretty colors. They look nice in your kitchen, and they are just the right size for cat food.
Groom your cat. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. Do this often in order to aid in keeping your cat’s outer coat clean and healthy. It can cut down on shedding and spitting up hairballs, too. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.
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.
Keep the litter box clean. Cats are naturally very clean animals, and a dirty litter box will have your cat looking for alternative places to relieve himself. Cats also value their privacy, so try to locate the box in an area that does not get a lot of foot traffic.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. To fix this problem, you can try buying a new food. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.
If you want to have your cat for many years, it is a good idea to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.
Having a hard time giving your cat a bath? Try this. Take an old window screen and put it in your sink or bathtub. Put your cat in, and he will claw the screen and stay there. Then start washing, but do don’t dilly dally. Use a cup to help you to pour warm water on your cat unless you have a movable shower head.
Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Sometimes you need to give your cat a pill. Some cats are harder than others, but you should trim their nails first. Then hold the head, open the mouth, and put the pill in. Then blow on the cats face. This will likely make the cat lick its nose, and the pill will go down naturally.
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.
It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.
Buy a fountain for your cat. Cats have a tendency to not drink enough water. This can leave them dehydrated. They often prefer running water to water sitting out in a bowl. If you suspect your kitty isn’t drinking enough, consider investing in a cat fountain to avoid health problems.
You want to be watchful regarding panting. Dogs love to pant. Panting could mean your cat is dehydrated or nervous, but it could also be a sign of a serious issue. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.
When the weather turns south, bring kitty inside. Heat waves, extreme cold, and stormy weather are all times you should bring your pet inside. Your cat could panic in such weather and put itself in danger. You could lose your pet if the owner suddenly turns on the car.
Treat your cat to its very own indoor garden. Start with a shallow container filled with a 2-inch layer of soil. Plant catnip and oat grass seeds, which can be found at your local garden center. Once the grass begins to grow, place the container in a sunny area, such as a windowsill. Your cat can nibble these plants safely.
When you decide that you want a cat, it is a fantastic decision. Cats are often a comfort and can also aid in stress relief. You cannot expect to fully enjoy the company of your pet if you are unwilling to take care of it. Use these tips to achieve a great relationship.
