Owning a cat may seem like an easy job. After all, they are notorious for being independent. However, if you are a first time cat owner, there are lots of things you need to know. The following article is full of helpful tips and tricks that ensures you and your cat live happily together.
If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.
If you have a male cat, it is important to have him neutered before he goes into heat. When male cats start maturing, they will begin to spray around the house. It smells like ammonia and is hard to remove. Having your male cat neutered can help to prevent this from happening.
Your cat might not come running when you call, but most cats enjoy cuddling on their terms and time. Cats love to have their heads and backs pet. Not all cats like their tummies rubbed so be careful. Spending quality time with your cat will make lasting memories to look back on someday.
Save your furniture with scratching posts and pads. It is natural for cats to want to stretch their claws out and scratch. This does not mean that a cat owner must have damaged furniture. Provide your cat with places that it is okay to scratch and redirect them there if they decide to try out your sofa. Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and materials and some cats prefer a particular type so it may take some trial and error before you find the right combination for your kitty.
Give your cats easier access to a window in order to keep your curtains from getting scratched. Putting vertical blinds up will allow the easiest access for your cat, but if you need to keep your curtains, use a lightweight rod that will fall if your cat attempts to climb the curtains. It will keep both your curtains and your cat safe.
Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. Too many cat owners forget this simple fact. Bored cats tend to develop emotional and mental disorders that may negatively impact their health. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Refrain from giving your cat any food that is spoiled. This can lead to indigestion and food poisoning, which can cost you a trip to the veterinarian. Always buy your food fresh from the store and be sure to check the expiration date before you feed it to your cat.
Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. If your cat has this issue, try changing his food. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.
Find cat medicine online if you want to get discounts. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. If you regularly need to buy pet medication, you can get a savings of up to 50 percent online.
High areas are ideal for cats. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.
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.
If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. This sort of behavior can be caused by urinary tract infections or other, more serious medical issues in your cat. In many cases, cheap antibiotics will resolve the problem and keep your cat healthy.
If you are bringing a new kitten into a home with one or more cats, purchase an extra litter box so that your other cats do not have to share right away. It may take some time for your established cats to become used to the new scent in the house.
Before you let your cat be an outdoor cat, consider the dangers of fleas, fungus and rabies. Bacterial problems usually occur when a cat is outside.
You might be leery about having your cat fully vaccinated, especially when they are strictly indoors. Rabies shots are important because you never know what critter might sneak into your house. Talk to your vet about the other vaccines. They will be able to help you determine what is healthiest for your cat.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, being a cat owner is a lot more work than you might have believed. Be sure and use the information provided if you are considering getting a cat. The advice will benefit both you and your new feline friend for years to come.
