Cats are amazing creatures. Independent and loving at the same time, they make ideal pets. Before bringing a kitty cat into your home, however, it is important to educate yourself on cat care so that you know what to do and what to expect. Use the helpful tips discussed in this article to ensure that your cat is well cared for.
Keep your cat groomed. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. This will keep your cat’s coat clean. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your cat.
Refrain from giving your cat any food that is spoiled. This can lead to indigestion and food poisoning, which can cost you a trip to the veterinarian. Always buy your food fresh from the store and be sure to check the expiration date before you feed it to your cat.
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.
Give your kitty lots of love. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. Cats want to feel loved and needed.
Cats enjoy being in high places. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.
Put the right amount of cat litter in the litter box. Some people try to get out of cleaning the box by putting too much litter in there. Cats don’t like walking on sand dunes! Two inches or so should be sufficient for the cat’s needs, and you just have to be vigilant about cleaning the box out.
Do not try to hold a cat when they are clearly trying to get away. This will not make the cat feel any closer to you and it may prompt them to start avoiding you in the future. Pick the cat up gently and lay him across your lap. If you feel him wiggling to get away, let him go.
Feeding your cat the proper canned food is ideal. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. Your cat will get more water and more vitamins and protein. It’s also much softer on older teeth if your cat is getting up there in years. Ask your vet for more info, bun in general, canned food is much better for a number of reasons.
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.
Understand the difference between cat play and real aggression. Both activities can look the same to an untrained eye, but there are differences. When two cats are playing, they will bat each other around with claws retracted. They will “bite” with their jaws loose. Real aggression will involve hisses, squeals and hard biting.
Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. Cats wag tails if they sense conflict, or if they’re trying to decide whether to fight or flee. If you are petting your cat and its tail begins to wag vigorously, stay away from the cat. It may be ready to attack you.
Make sure that you change your cat’s food and water on a regular basis. Just like humans, cats want to eat fresh food and drink water that is clean. Feed them at the same time each and every day if you want them to get into a regular feeding routine.
When you’re smitten with your kitten, it’s tempting to dole out treats generously. However, treats are meant to be just that. They lack the nutritional value of regular cat food. Treats should not make up more than 5 percent of your pet’s daily diet. Any more than that may prevent your cat from receiving the nutrients it needs for good health.
Cats can get sick, too. Your cat lives in your household so you are more aware that it is not feeling well than anyone else. You should have your vet check out your cat. They can determine what is wrong and figure out the proper course of care.
Independent, intelligent and loving, cats can make exceptional house pets. Before deciding to adopt a cat however, it is a good idea to educate yourself on proper cat care. Utilize all of the information you’ve learned from this article to take great care of your kitty and keep her healthy for years to come.
