Are you a fan of cats? Many people are fans, as these cute and lovable creatures give people many reasons to enjoy them. If you’ve ever thought about owning a cat, then you’ve come to the right place. This article can give you some good advice that will help you raise a cat.
Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. You should not allow your cat to play with drape cords since they could end up with the cord wrapped around their neck. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.
Cats love to play so make sure that you provide them with lots of toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is not only fun, it helps them to get exercise too.
If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.
To keep your cat happy and healthy, its important to schedule regular visits to the vet. Not only are regular checkups good for catching problems early, but regular visits can insure that your cat keeps up to date on its vaccinations. If you don’t know when the last time your cat had its shots, schedule an appointment for booster shots as soon as possible.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Cats and electrical cords don’t mix. If you notice your cat has a habit of chewing on electric cords, try to bundle them up and hide them out of the cat’s reach. If that’s not possible, spray a little bit of bitter apple onto the cords. Not only is bitter apple non-toxic, cats absolutely hate the taste.
If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.
It’s often cheaper to buy medicine for your cat on the Internet instead of through your vet. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. If you regularly need to buy pet medication, you can get a savings of up to 50 percent online.
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.
Do you have dogs and cats? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. Because of this, you should keep your cat’s food in a high spot that your dog won’t be able to reach. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.
Cats love to be high up. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.
Cats’ curiosity often puts them in risky situations. Something as simple as a necklace, window pull, or phone cords can cause your pet to become injured or even killed. These items should be bound securely so that they are not a source of temptation for your inquisitive pet. Many childproofing aids work just as well for your kitten.
Ensure that your new cat is spayed or neutered. This is important even if your cat will not be outdoors or around cats of the opposite gender. Studies show that spayed cats are less vulnerable to uterine, mammary, and ovarian cancer. Neutering your male cat decreases his risk of developing prostate cancer. Another benefit of neutering is that your cat will not feel compelled to mark his territory by spraying.
Most cats are prone to wax build up and ear mites. You can purchase a solution at the pet store that will clean out your cats ears. You put a couple drops in each of your cats ears and then hold them closed while massaging them for a minute. When you let go, stand back or you will get covered in the liquid when your cat shakes its head.
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.
You should worry if your cat is no longer using its litter box. Your cat might have a hard time using the litter box because of a health condition. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
Cats are one of the best pets on earth. They funny, warm, soft, and very playful. Raising a cat should be pretty easy after reading the advice listed here. There’s only one step that you have to take, and that’s getting the actual cat. Have fun taking care of your new furry friend.