Would you save a pet’s life if you could? Cats and kittens are often found in shelters, just waiting for a loving family to adopt them. It only takes some knowledge and commitment to care for a cat. Read here about how to approach the process properly.
You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Try to stick with one vet during the life of your pet. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Check the ingredients list on the label. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.
Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. Because of this, you should keep your cat’s food in a high spot that your dog won’t be able to reach. This will help prevent any fights that may occur between your animals.
When bringing a new kitten home, take it slow. It is tempting for children to want to play with the new addition to your home immediately. But the young cat will likely be scared. Give the cat time to acclimate itself to your home and to get comfortable with everyone.
When the cat’s litter box starts to become rough and worn at the bottom, it is time to replace it. If you leave it this way, it will cause waste to accumulate in damaged areas. Your cat may be very offended by the odor and decide to use the bathroom somewhere else in the house.
It is important that you do not feed your cat too much food from the table. Cats do not digest human food the same way that your does. It can also lead to your cat becoming overweight. If your cat is carrying around too much weight, it will be hard for them to jump up on furniture and get around.
If you’ve just met a cat, don’t look at them in their eyes. Cats do not like being stared at by people they don’t know. That’s why they are more comfortable if you are not looking at them. They are more likely to approach you that way, and more likely to kindly regard you in the future.
If you have more than one cat, it is a good idea for you to give them each their own food bowls. Place them far apart so that each cat has their space. If you provide just one bowl for the cats to share, it may cause larger cats to bully the smaller ones.
If you notice your cat is not using the litter box, try moving it to a new location. Just like humans, cats can be sensitive to where they eliminate, so choose a private location if possible. Low-traffic areas like basements and laundry rooms are great places to put the litter box.
Use aversives to deter your feline friend from going places where it is not allowed. An aversive is anything that creates an undesirable environment for your cat. Examples include shelf paper (sticky side facing upward) and tinfoil. Most cats prefer to avoid these textures at all costs. You can also use carpet tape that has adhesive on both sides.
Despite popular belief, you should never give your cat milk to drink. Cats’ digestive systems lack an abundance of lactase, the enzyme used to break down dairy products. The reality is that this can cause your cat to experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other types of gastrointestinal discomfort. In this case, milk does NOT do a body good!
Search your home for gaps or holes prior to bringing in a new cat. Cats can fit through very small gaps. Kittens especially can fit into small spaces. This is essential when you purchase a new cat. Make immediate repairs on any holes that you locate.
Try keeping your cat indoors. Cats allowed outside have statistically proven shorter lifespans, and are more prone to sickness. Some diseases that cats get can be spread to humans. Indoor cats love to have a sunny place to lounge and be comfortable.
Do not try to adopt a kitten while they are too young. This will make it more likely that they will try to scratch and bite you. They may be afraid of other cats since they didn’t stay around mom for a longer period of time. You should try waiting at least twelve weeks.
If you have a senior cat, make sure to consider a senior blood panel at your annual veterinarian visit. A senior blood panel can give your veterinarian a glimpse inside your cat’s body. It can tell about serious conditions, such as kidney failure or a liver that is not functioning properly. Your vet can then make suggestions to help your pet recover from any problems and live longer.
Don’t hit your kitten with a rolled up newspaper if it has been bad. This is abusive, and it will only make your cat afraid of you. If your cat is misbehaving, try sprinkling a little bit of water on them when they are acting up.
You should feel proud about your ability to care for your cat. You have offered to give your home and your love to your animal. You can look forward to many years of companionship with your cat. Take care of them and they’ll care for you.
