A cat can be the most wonderful pet you ever have. A lot of people are surprised by that, since there are so many stories of cats being snobby or too independent. However, the truth is that cats can be a wonderful addition to any home. Here are some tips to care for your cat.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
Keep your cat healthy and non-finicky by introducing a varied diet. Always purchase several different brands of food and rotate them. In this way, your cat will be used to trying and accepting new tastes. If one food brand goes out of business, you will always have lots of other acceptable choices to offer.
Check your cats ears frequently for ear mites. You may notice your cat shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot if they have them. They are tiny parasites that look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. If you have more than one cat, they can also travel from cat to cat. See a vet before using any medication on them since their ears need properly cleaned first.
A great toy for your cat is a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the laser around and try to catch it. This will help you give your cat some exercise, while your cat is having fun at the same time. It will also help to fine-tune their hunting skills.
Location is key when placing a litter box. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.
Though a veterinarian will almost always have a supply of medications that your cat needs, it can be more cost-effective to purchase them from online venues. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. But, if you’re having to buy pet medication regularly, you will be able to save up to half the price if you buy online.
Be sure to brush or comb your cat’s fur on a regular basis. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the fur. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
If you want to buy a second cat, prepare for some time where the cats will be familiarizing themselves with each other. In the early days, you may see a lot of posturing from the cats including hissing and swatting at each other. Eventually they are going to get used to each other, and they may even end up becoming best friends.
Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? Since cats shed so much, you must remember to brush them regularly. The more a cat sheds, the moor they should be properly brushed. Brushing is a good way to keep your cat’s coat from getting matted and tangled.
If you’re tempted to load up on litter to cut back on cleanings, think again. Some people believe that the more cat litter they use, the longer they can go between emptying the litter box. Actually, this is a waste of your litter! Many cats refuse to use a litter box with more than 2 inches of litter on the bottom. Some prefer to dig to the bottom of the box before doing their business.
Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you must make some changes, it would be a good idea to do them gradually.
Do you offer your cats inexpensive food, thinking that it will last longer, and you get more for your money? The truth is, cheaper foods usually lack the proper nutrients and protein cats need in order to stay healthy. Instead, they contain fillers, such as corn, to bulk up the food. Cats need to eat more of cheaper foods, but will require less of a protein-rich food that will keep him healthier in the long run.
If your cat has a problem with frequent hairballs, he may end up with digestive problems, retching and vomiting. The best way to avoid hairballs is to keep your cat well-groomed, brushing him daily to remove loose hair. Less hair means less hairballs. Another benefit of frequent brushing is that is great for bonding with your cat. Most cats love to be brushed and groomed.
Watch out for panting. Panting in dogs is perfectly normal. Panting can be an indicator of health problems in your cat. Take the cat to a veterinarian, especially if they’ve experienced previous breathing problems.
Apply sticky tape to your furniture. The tape can stop your cat from scratching. Some pet stores sell tape especially for this. Using this tape, along with a scratching post is a great way to keep your cat from scratching up your furniture.
Cats can brighten the life of most people, but only if the person knows how to properly take care of their cat. This article has hopefully given you some ideas about how you can do that. If you apply these tips to your own cat, you’ll find that your cat is the best friend you ever had.
