Purrfect Tips For New And Old Cat Owners

TIP! If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops.

Many cats think they rule the world, or at least your household. They are beautiful but mysterious creatures. However, if you have the right information, it can be easier to take care of them, even if you can’t plase them. These tips will ensure your cat gets the proper care it needs and deserves.

TIP! Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out.

Make sure your cat is always well groomed. Brushing is a very important component towards taking care of your cat. Do this often in order to aid in keeping your cat’s outer coat clean and healthy. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. Cat grooming will not only keep kitty looking great, but it will also help to reduce the effort spent picking up cat hair around the home.

TIP! Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots.

Small places are spots cats love to get into. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. This could help save your cat if it gets caught in a tight spot.

Flea Products

TIP! Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey.

Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats don’t like dog products. This definitely applies to flea products. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. Keep them separated by at least one door for a few hours after treatment.

TIP! You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. Your cat might not be safe outside.

If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

TIP! Are you a cat and dog owner? Understand that dogs will usually eat cat’s food if they can. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach.

If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.

Litter Box

TIP! Cats love being up high. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area.

If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.

TIP! Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This should come naturally for your cat.

Feed your cat quality cat food. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.

TIP! Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits.

You should feed your cat food out of a can. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Be sure to ask your vet about your pet’s food; however, canned food is usually the best for your cat.

TIP! Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? Cats shed considerably; therefore, it is very important you brush them frequently. You should brush your cat quite a bit of they are prone to shedding.

If your cat urinates frequently or outside his box, you may need to talk to your vet. Cats sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.

TIP! Put a collar on the cat that lists your name, address, and phone number on it. An indoor cat should also have a tag with this information because he or she can sometimes escape.

Play is something that all cats need to do. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. Even a mature cat that isn’t as spry anymore it still loves to play around. Enjoy some playtime with your cat.

TIP! If possible, make sure your cat is always indoors. Cats that stay inside have been shown to live much longer than the ones that are allowed to roam your neighborhood.

Does your home feel inundated with balls of cat fur? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. If your cat sheds a lot, you probably need to brush it more often. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.

TIP! Don’t ever let your declawed cat outdoors. The cat will be unable to defend itself against other cats or animals, risking injury or even death.

One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats may wag as well, but the meaning can be quite different. A cat wags its tail when it is upset. If you happen to be cuddling with your cat when the wagging occurs, be prepared to loosen your grip!

TIP! Make dry food the foundation of your cat’s diet. Wet food is appropriate for young kittens because they have still-developing teeth which are small and delicate.

Any difference in the environment of your home is easily detected by the keen sense of smell that your cat possesses. This may cause issues if they have a new bed, scratching post, or food dish. Do not be concerned if your cat does not accept these new items immediately. As your cat starts to smell new things in the home, it will get into them sooner or later.

TIP! Avoid overfeeding your cat, as that may lead to health concerns in the long-term. Overeating can cause your cat to become obese and susceptible to health problems.

Are hairballs posing a serious problem for your cat, and additional brushing does not help to reduce them? You can try blending a spoon of pumpkin into her food. You can mix the pumpkin with a bit of water from a can of tuna. Some cat foods even have anti-hairball benefits.

TIP! Investigate for spaces you don’t want your cat getting into. Cats are able to squeeze into tiny gaps.

Line your furniture with sticky tape. If the cat tends to scratch your upholstery, some tape may stop the practice. You can find this specific material at your local pet store. When your cat sticks to the couch, he’ll learn his lesson.

TIP! You may want to avoid treating your feline with table scraps. The ingredients and preservatives in our food, as well as our cooking methods, are not safe for cats.

Be on the lookout for any small holes in your home that you do not want your cat to crawl into. Cats often fit through small openings. Kittens are especially vulnerable. This is essential when you purchase a new cat. Make sure to cover any easily accessible holes or repair them if at all possible.

TIP! Don’t let your pet swat and swipe at other people. Although most people consider such behavior charming, it’s actually the sign of a poorly-trained, misbehaving cat.

Never offer table scraps to your cat. Cats need special food of their own, which contain certain vital nutrients specifically beneficial to cats. A great treat for your cat is a little bit of egg or cooked beef or chicken. So long as you are feeding your cat the correct food according to their weight and age, their diet is good.

TIP! Never try to make your cat a vegetarian. All cats need a diet with meat.

Vet visits are often inevitable, and the bills can quickly pile up. Consider purchasing cat medication over the Internet to save money. Some companies deliver right to your door. This is very convenient for medications, such as monthly flea treatments or heart worm medications.

TIP! If you have to leave your home and cat for a few days, you may be uncomfortable about leaving the cat all alone. Cat kennels can cost quite a bit and many cat sitters might not take proper care of your cat.

Though cats are not easy to please, this advice can be of assistance. Make sure you use these tips to make your cat healthy and happy. Maybe he’ll even warm up to you. Could be!