There are lots of reasons why owning a cat is a great idea. They are comforting and relatively independent. However, owning a cat also requires a lot of work on your part. The following article will teach you everything you need to know about proper cat care. Read on and learn.
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.
Be sure to have your pet cat spayed or neutered by the time it is six months old. A spayed or neutered cat is a more satisfactory pet because it is calmer, quieter and more likely to stay home. Neutered male cats do not spray urine to mark their territory. This is definitely a plus when it comes to cat ownership.
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 an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. Be sure that the pet’s name and also your home number are on the tag.
Don’t be pushy when you are getting to know your new cat. Cats prefer to be in control and take things at their own pace. Make sure your new cat is comfortable and safe. Let your cat take its time exploring its new environment. When your cat feels at home, it will be more likely to try to make friends with you.
An indoor cat who gets a taste of the outdoors will forever want to go outside. If you know your cat will always be an indoor cat, do your best to keep them from sneaking out. You can try to train your cat to stay in your yard when you are outside.
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.
Find out how much food you are supposed to be feeding your cat. While cat food containers give general information, find out from your vet how much food your cat should be eating. Many owners do not do this, and end up overfeeding their cats. Take the time to find out the proper amount so you don’t end up with an overweight kitty.
If your cat seems to want to avoid his food bowl, try getting a different kind of bowl. Plastic can sometimes turn a cat off if it isn’t cleaned constantly, and can hold on to certain scents. Try glass or a metal bowl for best results, so your cat will keep eating.
Use care if you have kids and a cat. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. Young children are not yet mature enough to realize what behaviors are dangerous to a cat. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.
If you’ve just met a cat, don’t look at them in their eyes. Cats do not like being stared at by people they don’t know. That’s why they are more comfortable if you are not looking at them. They are more likely to approach you that way, and more likely to kindly regard you in the future.
Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. The identification tags should contain your home phone number and the number for your veterinarian. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
If you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, you’ll want to contact your vet. A common sign that a cat has a medical condition is failure to use the bathroom in the litter box. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Call the vet if your cat refuses to use the litter box.
Beware of panting. Panting in dogs is perfectly normal. Your cat may pant if it is anxious or overheated, but panting may also indicate a more serious problem. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, there are many benefits to owning a cat. However, every cat owner should understand what it takes to take care of your feline friend. Be sure and use the advice given above and both you and your cat are sure to live happily together for years to come.
