Cats are one of the most independent pets you can own. However, this doesn’t mean you can simply let them live their lives without caring for them. A lot goes into owning a cat and the following article has some great tips to show you exactly what you need to know. Read on and learn.
To keep your cat happy and healthy, its important to schedule regular visits to the vet. Not only are regular checkups good for catching problems early, but regular visits can insure that your cat keeps up to date on its vaccinations. If you don’t know when the last time your cat had its shots, schedule an appointment for booster shots as soon as possible.
As your cat gets older, changes in behavior may signal pain. If your cat doesn’t like to jump or climb any more, it may be in pain. If your cat stops taking care of grooming or stops using its litter box, pain may be the cause. Be sure to have your older cat checked out by your vet if you notice behavior changes.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Nearly every vet and shelter owns a scanner which can read a microchip, and since they’re implanted, there isn’t a risk of the chip falling out or getting lost.
Never let a cat become bored. Cats require physical activity. Too frequently this need is overlooked by owners. Bored cats tend to develop emotional and mental disorders that may negatively impact their health. Make sure you give them lots of toys and room to play. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Is your cat constantly munching on your house plants? If so there is a fix for this. Growing oat grass or catnip yourself can help entice your cats away from your plants. Giving them plants that they can eat and like will help draw them to those plants over and over again.
If your cat has a tendency to eat your plants, you can stop him. You can either purchase bitter apple spray and spray the pot, or you can put a bit of clove oil on a cotton ball and bury it a bit in the soil. Your cat will avoid both.
Cats are great pets, but their litter boxes can be unsightly and have an odor. If you can’t stand the sight of your litter box, then it is time to go shopping. There are many different styles of litter boxes on the market. Some are even disguised as fake potted plants. Not only does it look better, it controls the smell as well.
Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. 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.
Understand that your cat is easily influenced by its surroundings. Cats have superior memories and will usually retain training for a lifetime. Conversely, they also retain frightening experiences and it takes them a long time to get over their fears. Be encouraging with your cat and avoid situations that scare them.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Since cats shed so much, you must remember to brush them regularly. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.
When adopting a cat, consider adopting two. Cats are social creatures, and they prefer to be in the company of other feline friends. Having two will help to keep your kitty occupied, and it can make it easier to take care of your new pet. If owning two is not an option, make sure to spend extra time giving your cat love.
Make sure to feed your diet pet food specifically made for cats. While a bag of dog food might be cheaper pound for pound, it will not contain the necessary vitamins, minerals and especially protein content to keep your cats healthy. Giving a cat dog food on a regular basis can also cause kidney failure and other serious illnesses.
Consider purchasing a self cleaning litter box if you are not good about scooping your box regularly. A self cleaning litter box will automatically rake the box every time your cat goes to the bathroom. This can result in a cleaner box, meaning your friend will use it more regularly and you will be left without odors in your home.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, cats need a lot of attention and care if you want them to live a happy and healthy life. Make sure to implement the advice mentioned above if you’re considering getting a cat. It is information both you and your cat are sure to benefit from.
