Everyone knows that cats make great pets. However, not everyone understands what it takes to properly care for your cat. While they are famous for being independent, there is still a lot of work to be done on the owners part. The article below will illustrate what every cat owner needs to know.
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.
Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.
Cats are hunters by nature. They love to chase mice and other small animals and insects. Buying little fuzzy mice filled with catnip and batting them around with your cat is a great idea. Your cat will feel as though they are really hunting prey. This will also help you to connect with your cat better.
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.
Make sure that you never neglect your cat. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.
Consider adopting multiple cats, especially it will be spending a significant amount of time alone. One cat can do fine alone, however two are not much more work or expense than one, and can keep each other company and entertain each other. This will stave off boredom, especially if you work long hours.
Every cat loves to have lots of play time. After all, everyone likes to play. Although older cats won’t be as active as younger cats, they still need a little exercise. Make sure you and your cat are thoroughly enjoying each other.
While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.
Don’t buy a closed litter box without first considering the disadvantages. True, it’s nice that you don’t have to see the contents of the litter box. However, odors tend to build up in closed boxes, making it necessary to clean it more frequently. Covered litter boxes also constrict your cat’s movement, which is a problem for larger pets.
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.
Just like humans, being overweight can harm a cat’s health, so do not feed him too much. Overfeeding your cat may cause it to become obese and develop serious medical issues. Carefully monitor your cat’s portions to make sure they eat a balanced diet.
When looking for a new kitty, do not forget to check your local shelters to find your friend. Shelters are overrun with cats, and many are put to sleep on a regular basis because they do not have homes. These cats make great companions, and they are very much in need of loving homes.
Give your pet a tag and collar, and be sure it always wears it. Cats are intelligent creatures and can easily find a way to get outside. If your cat is wearing the appropriate collar with tags, you’ll have a good change of finding it.
Consider purchasing a self cleaning litter box if you are not good about scooping your box regularly. A self cleaning litter box will automatically rake the box every time your cat goes to the bathroom. This can result in a cleaner box, meaning your friend will use it more regularly and you will be left without odors in your home.
Cats hate a dirty litter box. Litter boxes should be scooped at least once per day, and completely changed each week. Cats are clean, picky animals, and if the litter box gets smelly or full, they will likely look for other areas to go potty. These include carpets, closets and other places you may not know about until the problem is already out of control.
Although an overweight cat is less common than an overweight dog, make sure not to overfeed your cat. Your veterinarian can guide you in determining how much to feed your cat and what type of food is best for his level of activity. It is also important not to give too many treats.
Treat your cat to its very own indoor garden. Start with a shallow container filled with a 2-inch layer of soil. Plant catnip and oat grass seeds, which can be found at your local garden center. Once the grass begins to grow, place the container in a sunny area, such as a windowsill. Your cat can nibble these plants safely.
Cats are some of the most lovable and comforting pets a person can own. However, there is a great deal of responsibility that comes with being a cat owner. Be sure and use the advice mentioned in the article above so that your cat can live a long and healthy life.
