If you were given the opportunity to rescue an animal, would you take it? Countless numbers of felines are just waiting for a place to call home. If you need to know more about caring for your new cat, keep reading.
You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Give them enough space to exercise in, with fun toys to keep them entertained. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.
Cats love to be clean. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. One way to alleviate this condition in your cat is by feeding him special food. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Read the label on any food you choose. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.
Cats are great pets, but little ones may not understand that they are fragile. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Keep in mind that a cat’s bones are much more fragile than a dog’s.
Do all you can to figure out what’s causing your cat to meow. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. You should pay attention to these cues and you will eventually learn to decipher them.
If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. This can compromise your cat’s safety. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
Regularly brush your cat’s hair. This keeps the fur well oiled and the skin healthy. It will also remove loose hair. This helps keep those hairballs from building up in your cat’s stomach.
Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. Cats can’t be punished like dogs. They need positive reinforcement. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. This makes transporting much easier.
Feed your cat several different kinds of food if you want to the lower the chances of them becoming finicky. If they eat the same food all the time without changing it, that may be the only one they’ll eat later on.
Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. Cats love them! Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.
Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. Canned food generally provides more nutrients, protein and fat as well as liquids. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.
Having your own pet is proven to make your life happier. You are offering your love and your home to an animal desperately in need of it. The relationship between you and the cat you care for can last a lifetime. Take care of your cat and your cat will take care of you.