Secrets And Tips For Caring For A Cat

TIP! Brush and trim your cat’s fur often to keep it looking sharp. Cats require frequent brushing or combing.

Cats are very unique and fun animals. The bond you can create with your cat is very unique and fulfilling. That doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot to keep them busy, though. By taking this advice, you will be well underway towards the kind of care your cat deserves.

Drape Cords

TIP! Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident.

Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this.

TIP! The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food.

Groom your cat. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.

TIP! Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats.

Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. Keep your cords covered if you feel like your cat is hellbent on chewing them. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.

TIP! Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat.

You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.

TIP! If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. You can often get great advice from friends and family.

You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.

TIP! Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. This is the condition that cats like the most.

Why is your cat meowing? After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. She may be hungry, or she may want you to let her outside. Know what your cats cries mean so that you’re able to understand the cat more.

Cat Owners

TIP! Make sure you consider where you are going to place the cat’s litter box. It’s tempting to keep it in an inconspicuous place where it won’t be seen or smelled.

You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.

TIP! If your cat is pregnant, make sure she has plenty of room to give birth. It could take 3-4 hours for every kitten to arrive, so be patient.

Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.

TIP! Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. Cats move their tails for a very different reason.

Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. They need positive reinforcement. Put their favorite toy and blanket in a carrier. Leave it somewhere they always go to. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.

TIP! Make sure your cat’s collar has important information, such as your address, phone number and name. This should be done even with an indoors cat.

Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Most cats will prefer drinking water that is running over drinking water in a bowl. Streams of water will attract your cat. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.

TIP! Cats have a very sensitive nose and can easily detect any changes to their environment. Sometimes this causes problems if you introduce a new food dish, bed, or scratching post.

If your cat is urinating a lot or in areas away from the litter box, they may need to see the vet. This is likely to be something that should be looked after. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.

Litter Box

TIP! If you bring a new pet into your house it can make your cat upset at first. If you don’t want your pets to fight, you new pet should not be allowed near the cat for a while.

If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. A variety of infections and kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the box when they suddenly associate it with pain due to their medical condition. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.

TIP! Microchip your cats if they ever go outside. In the event your cat goes missing, simply visit the chip’s website and locate your pet.

Watch out for panting. With dogs, this is something that is common. Panting in a cat possibly indicates something serious is going on. Do not hesitate to contact a vet, particularly if there has been a history of respiratory problems.

TIP! Don’t force your cat to become vegetarian. Even if you eat no meat, your cat still needs it.

If your cat is prone to regular hairballs even after brushing regularly, keep reading for some great tips that can help you out. One mixed teaspoon of pumpkin mixed into your cat’s food should help. In addition, you could use one teaspoon of water for packing tuna and mix it with the pumpkin. There are also cat foods that contain an anti-hairball component, usually extra fiber, that may solve the problem.

Cat Isn

TIP! Unfortunately, some people find that they are allergic to cats. A cat’s dander is what can set off allergies.

Cats may be affected by the same illnesses humans get. You will be able to tell when the cat isn’t well. Therefore, if you notice any signs that your cat isn’t feeling well, immediately take them to to the vet. This will save you from bigger problems down the road.

TIP! If the cat you own likes to explore and roam, ensure it does so in a safe place. Even if your yard has a high fence, your cat can probably climb over it pretty easily.

Cats that go outside can contract fleas and illnesses like rabies. If this is a serious concern then keep your cat indoors at all times. These things may happen to an indoor cat, but they will more likely happen to a cat who lives most of his life outside.

TIP! There are cats that do not want to be groomed. If this is true of your pet, keep in mind that you don’t have to do all their grooming in a single day.

Be on the lookout for any small holes in your home that you do not want your cat to crawl into. Cats can sneak into small gaps and areas. This especially applies to kittens. You should consider this when you have brought a new cat home. Cover up or repair any sizable holes you find.

TIP! You’ve heard of baby proofing your home. Well, cat proofing is just as important.

Spending time with your cat will keep both of you happier and healthier. These are activities and tips that are popular with cats, but you may need to experiment and find out what your cat really enjoys most. A healthy, active cat will most often live longer and be happier.