People have had cats as pets since the beginnings of recorded time. Cats have found their way into poetry, movies, musicals and more. It’s clear why this is; cats believe they are the boss. In the article below, you’ll discover great tips to help you control your cat and ensure it lives a good life.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Be especially mindful of your cat’s ears when you take them on a trip. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.
You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. Your cat might not be safe outside. Your cat can pick up fleas, or worse. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
Cat Owners
If you’re having an issue with your cat, try to get some input from other cat owners. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. If you feed your cat the same food all the time, your cat will likely be uninterested any any other brand or flavor.
Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. Cats are endlessly curious and may head out an open door or window. Tags with your veterinarian’s info and your contact number should be worn. This is very critical if your feline has specific medical issues.
New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. They may swat at each other or hiss; that’s nothing to be concerned about. However, if you allow them to slowly get used to each other, they will eventually become friends.
If you want a cat with long hair, be prepared to put in extra time and care. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.
Relocating the litter box can often help curb a problem with cats that refuse to 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. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.
Put a collar your cat with your contact information on it. Cats who stay indoors could still get out. If your cat does get out, make sure that it can get home.
Many foods that are fine for humans are not good to give to your cat. These foods include grapes, onions green tomatoes and garlic. These foods can make your cat very ill. Milk can also upset your cats’ stomach.
Beware of panting. Dogs normally do pant. Panting can indicate overheating or anxiousness; however, it can indicate health issues as well. Be sure and make an appointment with your vet if you notice any respiratory problems with your cat.
Preventing hairballs can help keep your cat sanitary and safe. Mix one teaspoon of pumpkin into your cat’s regular food. Another thing that works is a one teaspoon of the water that’s in a tuna can mixed with the pumpkin. There are also cat foods that contain an anti-hairball component, usually extra fiber, that may solve the problem.
Your cat may feel that they rule your home or the universe. Apply the knowledge you have learned here in order to set proper boundaries and put your cat in its proper place. People love cats because they make great pets, and this advice can help your relationship with your animal.
