After getting their first cat, many families encounter unexpected issues. You need to prepare when getting a pet so you avoid mistakes. Some problems come even with total preparation. Luckily these tips can give you an edge and help you face the unknown.
Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. You should heat a terra cotta tile with your oven, at about 200 degrees, for around fifteen minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.
Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.
Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. This solution might take time to take, but it will help in the end.
Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Go over the label carefully. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.
Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Tell them how to be gentle. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.
Make sure that you have a good tablecloth for your kitten. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.
If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. When your cat is a member of the family, their sounds start to become familiar to you. This makes it easy to determine what various meows might mean. She may be hungry, or she may want you to let her outside. Pay attention to her cues, and you can understand your cat that much more.
These training tips are great for any type of cat, irrespective of breed or age. There are certain common problems that arise when raising a kitten, but some cats will exhibit unique problems. Just remember to offer lots of love and companionship to your cat. This is the key instruction to follow.
