If you are seeking an excellent house pet, then a cat is an excellent choice. Those who have never owned a cat before would be wise to read the following article. Below are some great tips and tricks that every cat owner needs to know in order to live happily with their new feline friend.
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.
Keep an eye on early warning signs of health issues in cats. Cats usually display warning signs if they are struggling with health issues. Some common signs to look out for include eating habit changes, sleeping habit changes, not being able to groom properly, changes in eating habits, changes in sleeping habits, depression, sneezing, increased thirst, watery eyes, changes in behavior, hiding, and vomiting. If they display these symptoms, take them to a vet right away. The sooner you take, them the better.
Give cat box liners a try. These may not work for everyone, but they can be helpful if they work for you. Line the litter box with one of these liners, and then put cat litter in as usual. If it works correctly, you should be able to gather the liner and dispose of the litter. Unfortunately, sometimes cats just scratch the liner to pieces as they are doing their business.
There are a lot of cats that are overweight. An obese cat can end up developing health problems such as arthritis or diabetes. If your cat could stand to lose a pound or two, try cutting back their food a little bit at each feeding. You can also buy some toys and encourage your cat to play and exercise.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Consider buying your cat a special drinking fountain. Cats like running water for drink more than water that is just sitting there. Streaming water is your best bet. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.
If you have ever given your cat a bath, then you know how much they shiver when it is over. This is because their wet fur provides them with no insulation. You can help your cat out by using your hairdryer to dry the hair fast. Just remember not to hold it too close and burn your cat.
You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. While long haired cats are soft and look great, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. You should not get a cat with long-hair unless you are ready to do a lot of cleaning. Long-haired cats also often have hairballs.
If you have more than one cat, you need more than one litter box. Ideally, each cat should have its own box. This prevents the box from becoming overfilled or crowded. An unappealing shared litter box sometimes causes cats to take their bathroom business elsewhere in your house. As you can imagine, this can be quite a nasty surprise!
If you suspect that your cat is pregnant, make an appointment with the vet as soon as you can to make sure that is really the case. There are a few serious illnesses that can mimic pregnancy, so you want to make sure that none of these has affected your cat.
Make sure to provide your cats with toys. Many people consider toys a need for dogs, but they do not feel the same about cats. Cats need stimulation throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Toys can provide this. Keep your cats from boredom by remembering this tip.
To keep your cat using the litter box, always keep it clean. No matter what kind of scented or special formula litters you may use, nothing is a substitute for removing clumps and used litter several times a day. Keep your litter box in a quiet area of your home.
Most cats are drawn to houseplants. This presents problems, especially if the plant is poisonous. You may find your cat uses the pot to defecate in, too. Stowing plants on shelves or ledges won’t keep cats away. Instead, hang the plants from your ceiling away from bookshelves or other launching pads.
Take the time to play with your feline friend on a daily basis. Cats love attention and need exercise. They can get both when you spend a little time playing with them. Ask your kitty to chase a feather, throw a small, soft ball so that he can bat it with his paws or just spend a little time rubbing his belly to see what happens. You will have fun and entertain your pet too.
Obviously, cats like water. But, did you know that running water is particularly interesting to them? Cats are generally dehydrated most of the time, so a fountain is more likely to get them to drink enough water to stay healthy. As they age, your cat will be healthier and happier as a result.
Becoming a cat owner is a terrific idea. They bring great comfort to their owner. Having said this, in order to actually enjoy your cat, you need to be aware of how to properly care for for your cat. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your cat will enjoy each other for years to come.
