A Practical Modern Guide To Feline Care

TIP! A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat.

Cats have a long and storied history of being human companions for generations. They have inspired films, books and even poetry. Thus, it isn’t hard to understand why they seem to feel superior. Through this article you can make sure your cat knows who the boss really is.

TIP! Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs.

Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.

TIP! Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window.

If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.

Dog Products

TIP! The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot.

Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. This is especially true of flea products. Canine flea products can be lethal to a cat. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.

TIP! Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated.

You may be able to find a better deal on your cat’s prescription online instead of purchasing them from your veterinarian. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. But for routine medication purchases, you may find a discount of 50 percent online.

TIP! Watch kittens around kids. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet.

Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.

TIP! Rotate the variety of food you feed your cat. If you feed your cat the same food all the time, your cat will likely be uninterested any any other brand or flavor.

Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. When children get a little older, they develop the skills needed to be around small animals.

TIP! You need to buy some quality food for your cat. Check out the ingredients, and make sure it includes protein, such as meat, as the first item in the list.

You should feed your cat food out of a can. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Your vet can give you more information specific to your cat, though canned food is usually better.

TIP! Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. Cats normally look to drink from running water.

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. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat. Therefore, they may hide, hiss, or even fight one another. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.

TIP! If possible, always choose canned cat food. It sometimes has more benefits over dry.

There is a lot of responsibility involved with a long-haired cat. Silky, long hair can be stunning, but that fur won’t look as pretty when it’s on your sofa, clothes, and carpet. Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.

TIP! Let your cat take its time when you add a new cat to your home. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat.

Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. If your cat is a big shedder, you definitely want to brush him often. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.

Litter Box

TIP! There are things you can eat that your cat cannot. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic and green tomatoes.

Really consider where you place the litter box. It’s sometimes tempting to put the box somewhere that you don’t have to smell or see it. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. Your cat will use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet place and away from smells your cat does not enjoy. If the littler box is on cold, hard floor, try placing a rug beneath it.

TIP! Cats have a surprisingly acute sense of smell, making it easy for them to detect change in their environment. This may cause a problem if you give them a new bed, scratching post or food dish.

Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. Your cat will be a valued member of your family, which means treating it just as you would other loved ones.

TIP! Reconsider giving a cat table scraps. Cats can’t digest many human foods, and many are even dangerous to them.

If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. This could be a side effect of a health problem. Issues like a kidney infection are often behind such behaviors. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.

TIP! You want to be sure your cat has a collar with tags on all the time. Cats are smart and will try to get out whenever they get the chance.

Be aware of any panting. For dogs, panting is typical behavior. If your cat is panting it may be overheated or having anxiety. It may also be something that is a lot more serious than those things. You should be speaking with a vet in case there is a respiratory issue.

TIP! Keep an eye on your cat and that Christmas tree at the holidays. A cat may be tempted to climb the tree, putting the cat in danger.

Your cat may act like it’s the owner of your house, and it could even think it’s the ruler of the universe. However, if you utilize the advice above, you can show your cat who’s really in charge. By establishing the ground rules, you can relax and enjoy the benefits of owning a lovable cat.