Cats are very interesting animals and they can be a fantastic member of the family. If you’re going to own one, you must learn as much as possible about caring for your pet so that it can lead a long and happy life. Read this article thoroughly to pick up some ways to achieve your goals as a good cat owner.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
Be sure your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. Cats need routine shots and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if they are having any issues.
You may want to have a microchip put into your cat. Even cats may get out the door or escape out of a window. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and contain all of your important contact information.
If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding a high quality food. Passing these crystals hurts and the vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Choose a cat food low in magnesium for your cat. Be sure to read the label. Products that contain fish are normally much higher magnesium content then poultry based products.
You may be able to find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from your veterinarian. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, such as a health emergency. But if you have to regularly buy pet medicine, you may find a discount of 50 percent online.
Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.
Cats are great family pets, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your children the proper way to handle a cat. Teach them about appropriate activities and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.
Try and figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. After some time, you’ll start to recognize what some of the noises your cats makes mean. When you understand what each type of behavior indicates, then may grow to understand the cat all the more.
Your cat needs love and attention. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.
Think hard before allowing your cat go outdoors. This isn’t very safe for your cat. Your cat may get fleas or even worse than that. Your cat might be injured by people, or get injured by a vehicle or another person. If your cat has to be outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.
Think about extra care before you take home a long-haired cat into your home. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. Don’t adopt a cat unless you are prepared for the extra cleaning. Long-haired cats are also often have hairballs.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.
Think carefully about where you put the litter box. It’s tempting to keep it in an inconspicuous place where it won’t be seen or see it. The cat must have easy access to the box. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a mat beneath it to keep the box warm.
As you’ve read, a cat can be a wonderful companion. If you want to make sure that your cat remains healthy, you need to learn all you can about caring for cats. Read this article again if need be. Kitty will be thankful!
Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Cats are better trained by using patient encouragement. Place a loved blanket and favorite toy into a carrier and then leave the door open. Make sure it’s in an area that the cat frequents. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.