Owning a cat can be an incredible experience. However, it should be noted that owning cat also requires a lot of hard work. There are many responsibilities that every cat owner needs to be aware of. Read here about which responsibilities you will be taking on. Continue reading to learn some excellent approaches to caring for your feline friends.
Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. They have tons of amazing cats who desperately need a home. Taking a cat home with you means that a life has been saved.
If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. Replace it every three hours or so.
If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat. When this occurs, your cat could get pregnant. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.
You should not use products designed for other animals. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. Flea products are a prime example. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.
If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. Ensure that you at least put the name of your cat and your personal phone number on this tag.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.
Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Check the ingredients list on the label. Avoid fish products.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. It is dangerous in today’s society. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. They can get in a fight or be hit by a car. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. That’s why you should place your cat’s food in a place which is hard for your dog to reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. Encouragement is a better way to get your cats to perform. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.
Owning a cat can be very beneficial. If you desire for your cat to benefit from a long life, proper care must be provided. Consider the information presented here to make the most of your relationship with your new kitty.
