Cats can be finicky. When you first get them, they can seem very mysterious. However, if you have the right information, it can be easier to take care of them, even if you can't plase them. The below article contains excellent advice on how to properly care for your cat.
Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.
Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Cats need to get shots so they don't get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. You won't have to worry that the vet won't have all of your cat's medical records.
Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover with a small blanket or towel, then place it beneath your pet's bed. Change it regularly if you need to.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat's health. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.
Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Keep your cat's diet low in levels of magnesium. Check the label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.
Create a tablecloth for the feline. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. Sometimes, this results in food outside the bowl that you have to clean up. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.
Be sure to carrier train your cat. Understand that cats don't react to punishment as well as dogs. They like responding to encouragement better. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.
Scratching Post
Keep old, worn scratching posts. It may not look as nice, but cats love a scratching post with some wear and tear. By throwing away an old scratching post and replacing it with a newer one, your cat will likely look for older items to scratch, such as your furniture.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. When cats are out in the wild they like to drink running water, and this is true in your home as well. Cats seem to like a water stream better. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. Drinking fountains are more environmentally-friendly and they let your cat drink naturally.
Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. This is essential, even for indoor pets. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.
Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. Cats sometimes exhibit this type of behavior when they have a urinary tract infection or other health concern. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.
Play is something that all cats need to do. Playing is an activity that is very popular with mammals of any age, and this includes cats and people. An older cat may not be as energetic as when it was younger, but still enjoys light play. Spend some time enjoying your cat.
These tips can help you ensure your cat is healthy. Use the tips in this article to ensure that your cat is being well cared for. This will lead to the possibility that your cat will be friendly with you. Possibly!