Are You A Cat Owner? Try These Pet-Care Tips!

TIP! If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits.

Curiosity is what cats are famous for. Your cat may seem to be very independent, but keep in mind that she needs you. They confuse and even infuriate you at times; however, there are other times that you just love them to death. The following are terrific tips for keeping a happy cat.

TIP! Your cat needs to be groomed properly. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly.

Move any drape cords out of a cat’s reach. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This is an extreme choking hazard and should be prevented at all costs. Hang your drapery cords out of your cats’ sight to avoid this.

TIP! If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. If an indoor cat gets out, you may soon have kittens.

Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.

TIP! Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home.

Keep your cat properly groomed. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. Doing this frequently can help them keep their coat clean. Having a clean fur coat helps reduce the amount of hairballs that get spit up around the house. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.

TIP! Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night.

Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. Your veterinarian needs to know about your pet’s history, and your cat will feel more comfortable if you always take her to the same vet.

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

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.

TIP! If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance.

If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only. One escape can lead to a lot of small kittens around! Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.

TIP! Speak to your peers about your cat issues. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners.

It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. 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! Don’t try and teach your kitty how the litter box is supposed to be used. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught.

You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.

TIP! If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should.

You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

TIP! Your cat should like their carrier. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment.

Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. They need exercise and they get it through play. Too frequently this need is overlooked by owners. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them toys and things to do. If your cats are kept inside, set up a carpet lined scratching pad or post. There are many climbing structures that can be purchased or made for cats who enjoy heights.

TIP! Vary your cat’s diet just a tiny bit to keep them from being picky. If you feed them only one type of food, they may refuse to eat anything else.

If you’re taking kitty on a road trip, don’t play loud music. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.

TIP! While a torn up scratching post might look unattractive, do not get rid of it. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most.

Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. That means you will have to tidy up the food left beside the cat bowl. Something as simple as a place mat can help make cleanup easier.

TIP! Carefully consider where you will place your friend’s litter box. You are surely tempted to put it where the smell will affect your surroundings the least.

Think hard before allowing your cat outside. This can be very unsafe for your cat. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. Let your cat go out in your backyard and play on your lawn.

Litter Box

TIP! Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. When a cat wags its tail, it’s for a completely different reason.

If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.

TIP! Your cat may be lonely if you return to work after adopting them. If you want to keep them from getting bored while you are away from home, you should think about getting another cat.

When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. The kittens will arrive within three or four hours, so try to be patient. If it’s been over 6 hours and you think there are more kittens inside, they need to see a vet immediately.

Litter Box

TIP! Cats can get sick, too. You will probably be able to tell if your cat isn’t at 100 percent.

Try moving your litter box somewhere else if the cat won’t use it. Cats know that during the elimination process they are left somewhat vulnerable, so moving the box to a more private area should help. A basement, laundry room, or another area that doesn’t experience much household traffic is the ideal spot for the litter box.

TIP! You should look for holes in which your cat could hide. Keep in mind that a tiny gap is enough for your cat to go outside.

Cats can be a strange and mercurial breed, but they are most definitely good companions if you get close to them. Make your cat’s life, and yours, easier by following these tips. By properly caring for your cat, you can help ensure that he is a happy cat.