Cats are terrific, but are quite particular. From particular diets to nail clippings at vet visits, you need to take care of a lot of different issues when you own one (or more). The following article will offer you expert tips on how to give your cat everything it needs.
Cats will try to get into many different crevices. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. A breakaway style collar will literally "break away" if pulled too tight. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.
If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat's health. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.
Brush your pet often. This keeps the fur well oiled and the skin healthy. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet's stomach and they later cough it up.
Litter Box
When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don't get mad. If your cat makes a mess, it's probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.
Don't throw away your cat's old scratching post. It's in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.
Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn't? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.
Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. Long-haired cats can be very high maintenance over the course of the year. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
Litter Box
Your kitty's litter box should be strategically placed. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won't smell it. Make sure that your cat can get to its litter box very easily. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. Keeping litter boxes on cement floors that are cold can be remedied by placing a rug or mat under it.
Your cat should be kept healthy so that it can live a longer life. This can be done by making sure the cat is checked on by a vet and it has its shots. Your cat needs to get some shots regularly to prevent different illnesses and parasites. Treat your cat as if it were a member of the family.
If you have a female cat that is in the process of giving birth, make sure you provide her a spacious area. You need to be patient, as it will be three or four hours before all the kittens have been born. If you suspect that there are more kittens inside your cat and it has been six hours of labor or more, you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.
Initially, caring for cats may be simple, but there is a lot of work and love that needs to be given. Use what you've just learned to make wise cat care decisions. Your thorough research will result in a good experience for both you and your cat.