Feral cats are cats that live their lives wandering loose on the streets or in the wild. A good portion of the domesticated cat population is composed of them and they can sometimes be trouble. Dealing with these cats is a problem that costs businesses thousands and loses customers all year long.
Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This could kill them. Make sure drapery cords are kept back to avoid this.
It's crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Cats need to get shots so they don't get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This ensures that your vet knows your cat's medical history.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.
Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.
Contact Information
You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment's notice, escaping through an open window. Other measures like tags and collars are better than nothing, but your cat may wriggle out of them or they may be torn off by outdoor hazards. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.
Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Demonstrate how the cat should be petted and handled and encourage your children to be very gentle. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.
Do you have both a cat and dog? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. That also means they don't fight about water after eating the food.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.
Make sure your cat has identification and a collar all the time. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. Your cat's identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.
You should give your cat at least three weeks to grow used to the presence of a new animal. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.
Litter Box
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. It's sometimes tempting to put the box somewhere that you don't have to smell or see it. The litter box should be somewhere that is easy for your cat to get to, however. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn't off-putting or inconvenient. Put a rug under it for cleanliness, too.
The best way to make sure that you have a healthy cat is to keep up to date with vaccinations and trips to the vet. Your cat needs these periodic checks and particular immunizations in order to stay healthy. Your cat will be a valued member of your family, which means treating it just as you would other loved ones.
You should have a better idea of how you can take good care of your cat after reading this article. Cats can make great companions. Cats need to be loved and treated with care. You may even bond with a stray cat that comes your way.