Cats are as much a part of the family as anyone else. Since this is the case, you owe it to your feline friend to be a responsible owner and protect it from dangers like infections and parasites. Things like these can harm your cat. Keep reading to find out how to keep those critters away from your cat.
It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues. Try to stick with one vet during the life of your pet. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If that doesn’t work, cover those cords up however you can. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. Electronics with thin cords must be put out of reach when they aren’t being used.
It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. You may be able to battle this issue by giving your cat a high place to chill. If you don’t want your cats to jump on your counters, you can put a cat condo in or around the kitchen.
When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Your kitty will thank you.
It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. In long-haired cats, hairballs can result from excess grooming. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance. But for routine medication purchases, you may find a discount of 50 percent online.
Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.
Cats enjoy being high up. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.
Feed your cat several different kinds of food if you want to the lower the chances of them becoming finicky. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.
Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. Most cats will prefer drinking water that is running over drinking water in a bowl. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. In fact, there are cats that enjoy drinking from a running sink instead of a bowl. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.
A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. After all, everyone likes to play. While a senior cat probably won’t be very rambunctious, the right type of toy will get them interested. Enjoy your cat every day.
If your feline friend is having kittens, make sure to give her lots of room to birth in. Delivery can take between three and four hours. If six hours have gone by and you think there are still more kitten inside the cat, take her to a vet immediately.
When a dog wags it’s tail, it’s telling you that it is excited or happy. Cats, however, move their tails or sway it side to side for totally different reasons. A cat that is flicking its tail is either feeling threatened or predatory and is considering his next move. If this happens while your cat is in your arms, put him down as soon as possible.
Put a breakaway collar on a cat with an engraved tag. Even if you own an indoor cat, it’s possible he or she might escape. If this should happen, you will have a better chance of getting your cat back home.
Just like any other animal, your cat could easily get infected by parasites. If you take proper care of your pet, the risk can be reduced. You can take measures to get rid of or even prevent parasites. Every effort you make will result in the increased happiness of your cat.