Cat are definitely amazing as pets, but they are also amazingly finiky! There are so many things you need to know if you’re going to own a cat. The article below has the information you need.
You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. This will keep your cat’s coat clean. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. This could save your cat’s life!
If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat’s bedding. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
Spay your cat as soon as she is old enough. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Spaying a cat can prevent this.
Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. Be sure that the pet’s name and also your home number are on the tag.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.
Cat Owners
You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you’re having problems with your pet. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
Brush your cat’s coat often. This will spread a cat’s oils from their fur and help blood flow from within their skin. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.
Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. Cats usually respond well to encouragement. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. A cat who is used to a carrier will not mind traveling, meaning it will be a much less stressful experience for them.
Anytime you get a new pet, you must introduce them to your cat slowly to help to avoid problems and let the cat get used to it. Keep them separated for at least two weeks, but let them sniff at each other under a closed door. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.
If your cat begins defecating or urinating too frequently, it’s time to see the vet. Cats sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.
Cat Stops
If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.
If your cat is ready to give birth, give her an area to do it in that has plenty of space. Labor can last as long as four hours, so stay patient. If your cat has still not given birth to all her kittens after six hours, get her to a vet right away.
Chemicals containing phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Cats hate the smell of phenol, and for good reason. Long term exposure to it can cause cats to have live issues.
You want to be watchful regarding panting. Dogs pant and that is the norm. Panting can mean your cat is anxious or overheated, but it may also be something very serious. Talk to a vet right away when panting persists.
Caring for a cat may appear simple if you luck out and get a cat that doesn’t cause major issues, but many needs lots of TLC, some vet check-ups, and lots of attention. Consider the tips presented here to help you become a better pet owner and feel prepared for whatever your cat has in store for you. Everything you learn will improve the quality of your life and of your pet’s!