Owning a cat can bring you tremendous joy. Cats can, however, take a lot of commitment and time. There are special considerations that need to be considered when you own a cat. Thankfully, the following article will tell you all you need to know. Read on for much enlightenment.
Keep your cat groomed. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. This can keep them clean. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. Keep your cat looking at its best by grooming it well.
Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Canine flea products can be lethal to a cat. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. A kitty tower can really save your furniture. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.
Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Choose a cat food with low magnesium content. Read the labels. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.
If your cat is excessively meowing, try to figure out why. After you have lived with your cat for a while, you will come to know what she wants by her meow. The cat may want something to eat or to get let out. You’ll learn her cues quickly.
Use care if you have kids and a cat. Up until your child is five, children shouldn’t be alone with your pet. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.
Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. To keep your cat healthy, provide your cat with a high place to sit. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.
Give your cat a water fountain. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Cats respond well to this stream of water. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. Fountains keep the water cool and clean.
Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. Cats that shed a lot need to be brushed more frequently. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.
Place the litter box for your cat in an open area. It’s tempting to keep it in an inconspicuous place where it won’t be seen or smelled. However, it’s important to make sure your cat can easily access its litter box. Understand that cats are extremely picky. If its litter box is not in a convenient location, then your cat might not use it. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.
If you notice that your cat isn’t using its’ litter box anymore, you need to take note. Your cat might have a hard time using the litter box because of a health condition. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. Speak with a veterinarian if you have a cat that has these issues.
As you’ve read, owning a cat can be a great benefit. But, you need to properly care for your cat if you would like for it to live its best life. Be sure and use the information provided if you are considering making a cat a part of your life.