There is a lot that goes into taking care of a cat. If you’re a first time cat owner, or even if you’ve had a cat for a while, this article can help you out. Read over it carefully and you should have no problem taking better care of your cats.
To help prevent tapeworm infestation in cats, feed a small amount of food grade diatomaceous earth for two weeks out of each month. About a quarter of a teaspoon per cat per day is adequate. Food grade diatomaceous earth kills internal parasites and causes them to be expelled from the system.
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.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.
Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.
Make sure your cat is properly hydrated. Like humans, cats need to drink lots of water. If they don’t get enough water, they can get dehydrated, develop various health problems, or die. Make sure they always have a bowl of fresh and clean water. The bowl itself also needs to be cleaned and refilled every day. You should also keep this bowl in one location.
If you want to have your cat for many years, it is a good idea to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.
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!
Brush your cat’s coat often. The act of brushing helps the coat become glossy, and it helps stimulate the skin. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.
When the cat’s litter box starts to become rough and worn at the bottom, it is time to replace it. If you leave it this way, it will cause waste to accumulate in damaged areas. Your cat may be very offended by the odor and decide to use the bathroom somewhere else in the house.
You should keep wet cat food in the refrigerator after it has been opened. Bring it to room temperature before serving it to your cat, because it will smell more enticing to them and be less likely to cause an upset stomach. If you like, place it in the microwave for a bit to warm it up.
If you live in an area that is populated by wild animals, such as coyote and fox, you may need to make you cat an indoor cat. Wild animals pose a real threat to cats, and to avoid the loss of a beloved pet, it is sometimes best to keep them indoors for the course of their lives.
If your cat is bitten by another cat, try to get him to the vet within 24 hours. The vet can put him on antibiotics that will protect him from infection setting in, and causing serious health problems. Cat bites can trap bacteria under your cat’s skin, forming an abscess, or other dangerous infection that can cost you hundreds of dollars to treat later.
Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. Your first instinct will be to put it in a nook or cranny so that you won’t see or smell it. It is equally important that the litter box is readily accessible to your cat, though. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. Put a rug under it for cleanliness, too.
You can use certain scents to discourage your cat from going into certain areas of your home. Aloe gel, citrus peels, and citrus juices smell wonderful to us, but cats don’t feel the same way. Soak a cotton ball in one of these liquids, then place it on top of a piece of foil to prevent the liquid from staining your surface. Place the foil and cotton ball near the off-limits area.
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.
Now you can probably see that there is quite a bit that goes into working with cats. It isn’t difficult, but it can be time consuming. Take everything you’ve gone over here and things won’t be all that difficult for you. Good luck and enjoy taking care of your pet!
