Being curious – and occasionally odd – is in your cats nature. They can get by on their own but still enjoy the company of humans. Cats may be confusing, but having them purring on your lap is priceless. Read on to find out what makes them tick.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Do your best to keep the same vet for your pet’s entire life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do. Cover with a small blanket or towel, then place it beneath your pet’s bed. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.
If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only. One escape can lead to a lot of small kittens around! A spayed cat is a safe cat.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. If your cat is having a health issue or injury, they need to be seen by their vet right away.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.
Don’t allow your cat become bored. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. But many cat owners ignore that need. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. There may be some cases in which you cannot buy online, such as in an emergency. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.
When traveling on the road with your cat, understand that they are sensitive to sounds. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!
Think twice before letting your cat outside. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.
Your cat deserves a high quality food. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. The foods to avoid are those with a large amount of corn and low amounts of protein. Understand that your cat needs a lot of animal protein to stay healthy.
You should feed your cat food out of a can. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. It’s easier for older cats to chew as well. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.
Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. While older cats have less energy than their younger counterparts, they can still play a little. Enjoy some playtime with your cat.
Cat Stops
If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. If your cat refuses to use its litter box, there may be an underlying health concern. 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.
Confine a sanitary area of the house for your cat to give birth. This process can take up to five hours. You should take your cat to the vet if deliveries lasts for more than five or six hours.
Cats are not always easy to figure out, but they certainly can make loyal friends if you let them. Take what you learned here and use it as a guide to help you better understand how to make a cats life better. Owning a cat is a wonderful experience but you need to make sure that your friends is happy and healthy.