Would you save the life of an animal if you could? There are thousands of cats just waiting for you to find them. If you need to know more about caring for your new cat, keep reading.
Keep your drape cords out of your cats reach. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This could cause injury or death. Make sure that the cords are completely out of sight.
Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. You’re literally saving their life.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
Look online for cat medicine. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.
Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.
Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.
If your cat has recently given birth, be sure she has a safe, private area to take care of them. Mother cats can become frightened by strangers or loud noise, sometimes leading to decreased milk production. They may also hide the kittens in places where you cannot find them, such as closets, or under beds.
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.
The location of a litter box is very important. You may really want to hide that box from everyday life. But the most important factor is making sure your cat can easily access its littler box. Understand that cats are extremely picky. If its litter box is not in a convenient location, then your cat might not use it. If the littler box is on cold, hard floor, try placing a rug beneath it.
If your cat has been scratching things that they should not have, do not think of declawing them as a good way to deal with the issue. While this surgical procedure would stop them from causing any more damage, it is a very painful procedure and it is pretty difficult to recover from.
Sometimes cats can have problems with arthritis when they get older. This makes it harder for them to get around. You can buy them a heated bed to lay in to help ease the discomfort. It is also a good idea to talk to the vet about any medications that might help out.
Buy a fountain for your cat. Cats have a tendency to not drink enough water. This can leave them dehydrated. They often prefer running water to water sitting out in a bowl. If you suspect your kitty isn’t drinking enough, consider investing in a cat fountain to avoid health problems.
As you think about the different types of cats you can bring home, ask yourself if you can handle a vocal cat? While each cat is different, certain breeds are significantly more vocal than others. Siamese cats, for example, are known to meow, mumble, and yowl at all hours of the day and night. If you want a companion pet, this chatty breed could be a perfect match.
If you are looking for a new home for your kitty, consider registering with an online pet adoption agency. Some of these companies screen applicants, so you will be sure that your pet is going into a good home. This is better than selling him to a creep who lurks around Craigslist all the time.
When disciplining a cat for bad behavior, you must catch him in the act, or discipline is futile. You must also never hit your cat, as this could hurt him and damage the relationship you have with him. Instead, try using a squirt gun, giving him a gentle squirt when you catch him engaging in bad behavior. This will eventually teach him that there is an undesirable consequence for what he is doing, causing him to think twice before he does it again!
Since Christmas trees are seasonal, they are a source of curiosity for cats, so keep an eye on them around the tree. Cats are often curious, and climbing a tree can cause you some problems. For best results, keep your cat away from the tree and also watch for any loose tinsel or ornaments that might cause digestive issues for your pet.
If your cat goes outdoors and wears a collar, make sure it is a self breaking collar in the event of an emergency. A self breaking collar will come loose if it gets stuck on something, such as a fence or tree. This can keep your pet from chocking, and it might even save your pet’s life.
You should be proud to take care of your kitty. You’re opening up your home and providing love to a cat that truly needs it. Your cat and you will having a lifelong bond. Take care of them and they’ll care for you.
