A cat can be the most wonderful pet you ever have. A lot of people are surprised by that, since there are so many stories of cats being snobby or too independent. However, the truth is that cats can be a wonderful addition to any home. Here are some tips to care for your cat.
Keep your cat’s coat healthy by giving them a supplement of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is an inexpensive supplement that can be found in most health food stores. Simply sprinkle a little bit on your cat’s dry food, or mix it in with their wet food. Not only do they love how it tastes, but it’s full of protein and vitamins that will keep them looking their best!
Keeping cats from a counter really can be tough. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. One way to keep your cats from continuously jumping on the counter is to install a cat tower near the problem counter.
If you absolutely must bathe a cat, set everything up in advance. Set up two tubs large enough to dunk a cat. Fill them with comfortably warm water. Set your open bottle of cat shampoo, a heavy towel, and a secure pet carrier close by. Wear heavy rubber gloves. Grasp your cat by the scruff of the neck. Dunk, shampoo and scrub quickly in one tub. Dunk to rinse in the second tub. Wrap the cat securely in the towel and place in the carrier to dry.
Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don’t force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he’ll get the idea that it’s there for a reason!
When you are washing a cat litter box, it is a good idea to use basic soap and water. You may think that it would be more sanitary to use a harsh cleaner like bleach or ammonia, but all that will do is create a smell that the cat will find offensive.
A battered appearance isn’t a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
Does your home feel inundated with balls of cat fur? Cats do a lot of shedding, and it helps to brush them. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. This will lessen the amount of hair around your home and it will keep them from getting knots in their hair if they have medium or long hair.
If your cat has bad breath, a trip to the vet is in order. Bad breath in cats can be a red flag for tooth decay or more serious conditions. These include diabetes, stomach problems and lung disorders. So, if your cat’s breath smells worse than the food he eats, get to the bottom of the issue before it gets out of control.
Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. There are a number of medical issues that can cause your cat to suddenly stop using their box. These problems are generally related to the kidneys and/or bladder. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
Avoid any products containing phenol around your cats. The chemical is most often found in pine cleaners. Not only is the smell offensive to cats, but exposing them to this chemical for prolonged periods of time can lead to problems with their liver.
Never make the choice of giving your cat human medication. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. Giving your cat your medication can actually cause your pet serious harm.
Encourage your child to play with cats by using toys, not by using their fingers and hands. Choose toys that put distance between the child’s hands and the cat’s teeth and claws. During a vigorous play session, an excited kitten is more likely to accidentally scratch its playmate’s skin. For example, you might use a long wand-type toy with a dangling feather or bell.
Medical conditions and other dietary factors may make it necessary to switch your cat from moist foods to dry formulas. Cats are finicky enough already, and many resist the change. For the first week or so, mix the dry food with a small amount of warm water to soften it up. Gradually decrease the liquid until your cat will eat the dry food. If you try this approach, do not allow the moistened food to sit for longer than 20 minutes; it could spoil.
Cats can brighten the life of most people, but only if the person knows how to properly take care of their cat. This article has hopefully given you some ideas about how you can do that. If you apply these tips to your own cat, you’ll find that your cat is the best friend you ever had.
