A cat can be a great pet. After all, they don’t need to be walked, dislike baths and seem to take care of themselves. However, there are some things you need to do for them, even though they may not think so. Here are some kitty tips that you can follow to give your cat a great life.
Before acquiring a cat, be sure that you have the wherewithal to take care of all necessary vet care. Cats reproduce at an alarming rate, and spaying or neutering is essential to keeping cat population under control. Check spay, neuter and vaccination costs and packages with local vets and clinics and be sure you can afford to give your cat proper medical care.
Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. If your dog has been treated for fleas, keep him away from your cat for at least three hours.
A great toy for your cat is a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the laser around and try to catch it. This will help you give your cat some exercise, while your cat is having fun at the same time. It will also help to fine-tune their hunting skills.
Make sure you have a good pet carrier or basket for transporting your cats from one location to the next. A proper carrier or basket should have enough room for them to turn around in comfortably. It should also be easy to clean. Make sure that it is lined with a blanket, cushion, or towel to help it stay comfortable and cozy for them when traveling.
Do not feed your cat any kind of human food that contains bones in it. If you are giving your cat chicken or fish, be sure to remove the bones beforehand to prevent a choking hazard. Chop the food that you serve into small bits to make it easier to digest for your cat.
Most cats love to lounge right on your lap. As cozy as this can be, it is not always convenient. If your cat has a favorite spot, such as on your lap at the computer it can be hard to get things done. Getting a pet bed for your cat and perching it right next to your chair can help satisfy your cats need to be near you.
Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? Brushing your cat regularly can fight the constant shedding that often can occur. If your cat sheds a lot, you probably need to brush it more often. Frequent brushing or combing keeps the cat from getting a tangled, matted coat.
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. You may want to place in some out-of-the-way corner so the smell doesn’t bother anyone. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.
Playtime is important for kittens as well as older cats. The best games are those that involve hunting and chasing. Try to think like your cat, choosing toys like feathers on string. The cat is attracted to the movement of the toy, so he will love to chase it if you pull it along without him seeing you. It is important to let your pet win occasionally, to keep him interested.
Is your cat really sweet and lovable? If so, they might make a good therapy pet. Pet therapy uses animals to go into places like nursing homes, and bring some joy to the people there. Your cat will be happy with all the attention, and you can feel good about doing something positive for others.
If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds, choose foods that help the animal to feel full. If the cat acts like it is hungry all the time, you will be tempted to feed (and overfeed) it. Look for cat foods that contain higher amounts of protein and fiber. This also promotes a healthy digestive system, which contributes to weight loss.
If you will be out of town or gone for more than a few hours, make sure to hire a pet sitter to take care of your cat. Most people think of pet sitters as necessary for only dogs, but they are important for cats too. You need someone to check in on your cat, make sure he eats and give him some love while you are away.
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.
Think about keeping your cat entirely indoors. Cats that live outdoors live shorter lives, and can catch diseases more easily. Certain feline diseases can actually be passed to humans, so it is good for you to keep your cat inside for that reason. Your indoor cat will be happy if it has a warm and sunny spot to sunbathe in or a window to look out of.
Your cat may not think he needs you, but he does. If you use the tips in this article, you can make yourself even more necessary. These tips can help keep your cat healthy and happy, so give each of them a try. You can even search out more tips, so your cat has the best life possible.
