If you are looking for a pet to share your days with, a cat is a wonderful choice. While these animals are very independent, they are also great companions. However, there are a few things that you need to be aware of when it comes to their care and how to help them have a happy life.
Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.
Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. They should have regular check ups annually, and more appointments should be made if they need to get important shots. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.
Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs. Flea products are a great example of this. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. Keep your cat away from your puppy after treating it with some flea products.
Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.
Having a hard time giving your cat a bath? Try this. Take an old window screen and put it in your sink or bathtub. Put your cat in, and he will claw the screen and stay there. Then start washing, but do don’t dilly dally. Use a cup to help you to pour warm water on your cat unless you have a movable shower head.
Think hard before allowing your cat outside. This can compromise your cat’s safety. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.
Just as important as it is to take care of your own teeth, you need to take care of your cats as well. Cats can develop tarter and plaque build-up over time. Purchasing a toothbrush and toothpaste made specially for felines is a great way to keep your cats teeth clean and healthy.
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.
Sometime a second cat will calm a single destructive cat. This seems counter-intuitive, asking for twice the destruction, but a second cat can give them both something to do. Introduce them slowly and expect some initial squabbles. After a while, though, the cats will usually get along and the destructive behavior will subside.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
If you are expecting a child, this is more than enough reason for you to have your pet spayed or neutered. Some cats get very aggressive when they see little ones in the house. After having this procedure done it is less likely for your cat to do anything to harm the baby.
It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. Cats who stay inside for most of their lives have a much better life span and are less likely to get diseases and parasites. Going outside may give your pet some exercise, but the risk of disease or injury outweighs that benefit.
Cats can get sick in some of the same ways you can. Because your pet is a family member, you are around them enough to know when they are not feeling very good. Always take your cat to the vet if you suspect illness. It can be dangerous to avoid taking your cat to the vet when it is sick because there may be serious conditions that need checking. A vet can check for these.
Even though no two cats are the same, certain breeds are known to possess unique characteristics. For example, bengals and other exotic breeds are notoriously active, especially at night. They have high energy levels and are less cuddly than other domestic cats. Bring home a bengal if you love a unique look and are willing to actively engage your pet.
Keep your cat groomed to keep them looking and feeling good. Giving their fur a regular brushing ensures a healthy coat with no matting and less shedding. They will also have fewer hairballs from cleaning their own fur. Clip their claws, but don’t clip them too short, as it may hurt them. A vet can provide assistance if you need help with clipping.
You can’t go wrong by selecting a cat as your animal companion. They are smart, they generally don’t require as much care as dogs and they can provide you with the affection that you are craving. However, remember that cats still require a number of things from their owner. Use the tips above to help you carve out a good life for your pet.
