Great Cat Ownership Tips To Help You

You need to give a cat the care and attention it needs. Cats require different grooming techniques than other animals. You must take additional care to ensure they remain clean and looks good. This article will provide some tips for everything about cat care.

Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.

Drape Cords

Keep your drape cords out of your cats. This could hurt or possibly kill them. Pin back drape cords to avoid this.

Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. This definitely applies to flea products. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.

TIP! A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home.

Prevent your cat from getting zapped by spraying bitter apple. If this does not work, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. You can bundle loose cords into paper towel rolls.

Be considerate of your cat’s ears when you take them on a trip. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. To keep your cat calm and collected over the course of your trip, turn off the music or keep the volume low.

Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. If your cat has this issue, try changing his food. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.

TIP! Though a veterinarian will almost always have a supply of medications that your cat needs, it can be more cost-effective to purchase them from online venues. Sometimes, you may need the medicine immediately though.

Create a tablecloth that your cat. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eat it off to the side. This can result in you having to clean up food outside their bowl that must be cleaned.

Think hard before allowing your cat go outdoors.This can be something that isn’t safe for a cat. Your cat could get fleas or something even worse parasites. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, people and vehicles. If your cat must be an outdoor cat, limit it to an enclosed area.

Always watch a kitten around small kids. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. When children are over the age of five, then you should decide whether or not they are mature enough to handle a kitten.

TIP! Brush your cat’s coat often. This helps to stimulate blood flow and circulation, and it will also help to evenly distribute the natural oil your cat’s fur has.

You should talk to others about challenges you have with yours. Although you may feel like you don’t need help, advice from other people with cats can be a big help.

Brush your cat on a regular times. This keeps the fur well oiled and stimulates blood flow in the skin healthy. It also get rid of hair that is about ready to fall out. This helps to stop hairballs at bay because this can choke up a cat and their associated medical problems.

Your cat should like their carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. Cats usually respond well to encouragement. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. 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. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.

TIP! If you just own one cat but are considering obtaining another one, then you should ensure you allow a few weeks for your old cat and new one to become familiar with each other. They might hide from each other or hit each other.

Take the time to train your cat familiar and comfortable with a car carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs do to punishment. Encouragement is usually a much better strategy. Put a favorite blanket inside the carrier then leave it where the cat frequents. The cat will eventually get into it and feel safe when it enters this carrier after a while. This will make it easier later.

Even a house cat can get out. If that happens, it’s important for them to get back home safely.

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, you should take him to the vet. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.

Chemicals that have phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. This chemical is often found in cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and certain other regular household cleaners.

You should never let your cat with something that is for humans. If they have health issues, ask your vet for his recommended treatment option. Giving cats human medications can cause serious harm.

If your cat is spitting up hairballs frequently, and extra grooming does not help, these handy tips may help. Mix one teaspoon of pumpkin into your cat’s regular food. A teaspoon or so of water from a can of tuna can also be mixed in with the pumpkin. Some cat foods even have anti-hairball benefits.

Cats will smell changes around their environment. Don’t be discouraged if the cat isn’t happy with the items at first.

Dry food is great for your cat. Kittens need some wet food since they have very small teeth.As an adult, the harder dry food helps to keep their teeth strong.

Taking your cat to the vet is necessary, even though medical bills can add up. You can save money on medications by ordering them online. There are a few companies that will deliver the medications right to your house. This can be great for monthly medications and flea treatments.

TIP! An indoor-only cat is your best bet. Outdoor cats usually do not live as long, and they are at higher risk in contracting many diseases.

If the thought of your cat getting rabies, fleas or rabies, do not allow him to go outside. While it is possible for a home bound cat to catch some of these diseases, they will have less of a chance to have these problems if they don’t go outside.

Reconsider before you let your cat table scraps as treats. The way human food may not agree with your cat. Cat food, and if you are doing what the food’s directions say to do, can make your pet’s diet complete.

If you are worried about your outdoor cats stray too far away from home, you should consider having a microchip inserted inside under the skin. If you notice that the cat is gone, you can track its location online and recover it more quickly.

TIP! Be sure to keep fresh water available for your cat at all times. It may not appear like they drink a ton of water, but fresh water is vitally important to them.

Once you have taken great care of your cat, it can be a better pet. You have the power to do whatever it takes to keep your cat looking like a healthy animal. Cat’s generally appreciate the extra attention that grooming provides. Use all of the tips in this article for a happier cat.