Cats make wonderful pets, however, they can also be a bit finicky. From particular diets to nail clippings at vet visits, you need to take care of a lot of different issues when you own one (or more). The following article will offer you expert tips on how to give your cat everything it needs.
If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only. One escape can lead to a lot of small kittens around! Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.
If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.
You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.
Remember to take care of your cat’s ears if you travel with him. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. Keep your music off, and talk to your cat instead.
Try figuring out why the cat is purring. After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. She may be hungry, or she may want you to let her outside. Make sure you are paying attention in order to better understand your cat.
Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. Under five, the child needs to be watched. Young children are not yet mature enough to realize what behaviors are dangerous to a cat. As a kid ages, they can show maturity with handling a little pet.
Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners. There are also forums on the Internet which cater to cat parents.
Give your cat a good brushing regularly. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. You will also decrease the amount of fur throughout your home. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.
Do not discipline your cat if it makes a mess outside its litter box. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.
Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying. Ensure that an animal protein source, including fish, chicken, or beef, is the main ingredient. Avoid brands that use non-meat fillers like corn. Cats need meat, not vegetables.
Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.
Owning a cat means a fair amount of work on your part. Consider the tips presented here to help you become a better pet owner and feel prepared for whatever your cat has in store for you. The best benefit is a mutually satisfactory experience for you and the cat.
