Caring for a cat is not always easy. After all, the cat can’t talk to you and let you know what you’re doing wrong, and cats are so independent that sometimes you don’t think they need you at all. This article has some smart suggestions to help you care for your cat in a way that they can appreciate.
If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Protect your cat from choking. Be sure to dispose of poultry and fish bones safely. Wrap them in a paper or plastic bag and put them in your outdoor garbage can with the lid tightly secured. Alternately, place them in a plastic bag and freeze them until garbage pick up day.
Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also be a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome “deposits” in neighbor’s gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.
When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.
Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.
Get your cat a breakaway collar. Make sure it has tags that reflect a phone number, even if you are uncomfortable with an address. Cats can run outdoors or slip away, and you don’t want to worry that you’ll never see your cat again. Make sure that there is adequate information so you can be reached.
There’s always a chance that you cat can slip outside your home and become lost. This can be prevented with a breakaway collar. The collar includes an ID, featuring your name, phone number, and address. If the cat is found, anyone can easily contact you and return the cat to you thanks to the information on the collar.
Sometimes you need to give your cat a pill. Some cats are harder than others, but you should trim their nails first. Then hold the head, open the mouth, and put the pill in. Then blow on the cats face. This will likely make the cat lick its nose, and the pill will go down naturally.
Feed a kitten proper food. A developing kitten survives exclusively on their mother’s milk for the first four weeks, a commercial formula if the mother isn’t around. When moving to regular food, feed them specially formulated kitten food until they reach maturity at the age of one. Kittens need plenty of protein while they are developing.
Cats need to have play in their life. As a matter of fact, exercise is crucial for all animals. While older cats aren’t near as energetic, they still enjoy playing often. Spend some time enjoying your cat.
Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. You must be willing to spend more time cleaning your home. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.
If your pet is avoiding its litter box, try moving it to a different spot. A cat has instincts that tell it when it goes to the bathroom it is vulnerable. This is why a box should be placed in an area that is quiet and safe. A couple of good places to put your cat box are your basement and laundry room.
There is no need to bathe a cat since they are able to do most of their cleaning by themselves. The only way that you should bathe a cat is if there is something on their coat that has not come off for a good length of time, like oil and chemicals.
Once your cat starts to age, they may have to go to the vet more often than they did before. To make sure that your senior cat is in optimal health, you should take him to see the vet at least twice a year. Make sure that you follow any advice given to you during the visit.
Keep your cat protected from fleas and ticks. There are drops you use monthly that can be effective. Fleas and ticks can cause disease in your cat, and using one of these medications is the best way to prevent that. Use brands that your vet recommends for your cat.
Your cat may never say thank you, but if you use the tips laid out here, you will know she is well cared for. Just try each tip and watch for your cat’s reaction. You will know whether it is working for your cat by her reaction. Even though it isn’t easy, you can be a wonderful owner to a happy cat.
