Cats are mysterious animals. Your cat may seem to be very independent, but keep in mind that she needs you. They are hard to figure out, but they also bring much joy. This article provides lots of great tips for caring for your furry friend.
A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. If an indoor cat gets out, you may soon have kittens. A spayed cat is a safe cat.
Check your cat for ticks and fleas every week. If your cat does have fleas, there is a good chance that you also have fleas in your home. You might need some flea bombs or premise-control sprays, along with treating the cat, to get rid of the issue. If you don’t know what products to use for controlling ticks and fleas, talk to your vet for some safe options.
Your cat might not come running when you call, but most cats enjoy cuddling on their terms and time. Cats love to have their heads and backs pet. Not all cats like their tummies rubbed so be careful. Spending quality time with your cat will make lasting memories to look back on someday.
When you move your cat from one house to another, be sure to move the cat last. Set up a quiet room with familiar items for the cat. Keep your cat in the room and quiet for a day or two. Visit and feed the cat in the room. After a couple of days, the cat can explore the rest of the house.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.
Never let a cat become bored. Every cat needs exercise time and play! Unfortunately there are too many cat owners who don’t properly exercise their cats. Cats who get bored can actually become depressed or display other undesirable behaviors. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.
Take your cat to the vet periodically. A lot of cat owners tend to avoid the vet because it can be harder to get a cat ready to go anywhere she does not want to go! It is also easy to avoid the vet because cats seem so self-reliant. However, it’s smart to get your cat to the vet to avoid any problems.
It is important to only feed your kitten food specifically made for kittens. Kitten food contains more fat and protein to help keep your growing cats body healthy. Adult cat food is leaner and is not specially formulated the same way as the kitten food. Your kitten will grow really fast in a short time-frame, so it is important that they eat right.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
When taking your cat or kitten to the vet, or to other places that involve a car ride, it is wise to socialize him to this situation. Try taking your cat, always in a carrier, on short rides, adding time to the ride every so often. Getting your pet used to the car can mean the end of his fear and frustration, as well as yours.
If your cat is bitten by another cat, try to get him to the vet within 24 hours. The vet can put him on antibiotics that will protect him from infection setting in, and causing serious health problems. Cat bites can trap bacteria under your cat’s skin, forming an abscess, or other dangerous infection that can cost you hundreds of dollars to treat later.
While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.
Encourage your child to play with cats by using toys, not by using their fingers and hands. Choose toys that put distance between the child’s hands and the cat’s teeth and claws. During a vigorous play session, an excited kitten is more likely to accidentally scratch its playmate’s skin. For example, you might use a long wand-type toy with a dangling feather or bell.
Cats can be odd birds at times, but their loyalty is unmatched. Let the suggestions in this article help you to make their lives more comfortable. Cats are great for everyone, and if cared for correctly, a cat will be a happy, loyal companion.
