If you want a great pet, a cat fits that bill. However, people who are unfamiliar with cats need to educate themselves on proper ways to raise a cat. If you have never owned a cat before, read these tips for important information.
Keep your drape cords out of your cats reach. Do not let your cat play with these. If the cords are in loops and the cat jumps into them or plays with them, they could possibly get them caught around their neck. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Hang your drapery cords out of your cats’ sight to avoid this.
Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.
Cats enjoy getting into spaces that are small. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. This can keep your cat alive.
To help your aging cat feel cozy, place a warmed tile under his bed. Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. Flea products are a prime example. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.
Cats are nocturnal animals. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.
Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Cats need a social life with people just like you do with other people. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. Long hair encourages hairballs. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.
Cats have a love affair with heights. For a truly happy cat, provide a safe place for your cat to survey his surroundings. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. Put a blanket on it so they can rest peacefully.
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. Cats usually respond well to encouragement. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. Over time, the cat will feel comfortable and go inside the carrier. Let it happen naturally or with only mild coaxing. Do not get angry. A cat who is used to a carrier will not mind traveling, meaning it will be a much less stressful experience for them.
Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.
Treat your cat to a good quality cat food. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Some foods contain a lot of fillers like corn products, don’t buy those. Cats need meat, not vegetables.
It is important that your cat always where a collar that identifies them. This is even true for indoor cats. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.
If you are bringing home a new cat, make sure to give him time to adjust to your current cat. It usually takes about three weeks. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.
Keep products containing phenol away from your cat. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. The smell offends cats, and it can lead to prolonged illnesses.
Owning a cat is quite rewarding. They can help you to unwind and can bring you a great deal of comfort. In order to make your cat’s life (and your time as a cat owner) happy and healthy, you have to be prepared to be a responsible owner. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your cat will enjoy each other for years to come.