Cats are one of the most independent pets you can own. However, this doesn’t mean you can simply let them live their lives without caring for them. A lot goes into owning a cat and the following article has some great tips to show you exactly what you need to know. Read on and learn.
Create a warm bed for an outdoor or feral cat by lining a banana box with a thick layer of newspaper. Cut a piece of Mylar to fit the bottom of the box. Put another layer of newspaper on top. Add a warm blanket. Place the whole box inside a dog house or under a porch where it can’t get wet.
Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor cat.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
Your cat might not come running when you call, but most cats enjoy cuddling on their terms and time. Cats love to have their heads and backs pet. Not all cats like their tummies rubbed so be careful. Spending quality time with your cat will make lasting memories to look back on someday.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. If your cat has this issue, try changing his food. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.
It is important to only feed your kitten food specifically made for kittens. Kitten food contains more fat and protein to help keep your growing cats body healthy. Adult cat food is leaner and is not specially formulated the same way as the kitten food. Your kitten will grow really fast in a short time-frame, so it is important that they eat right.
Reconsider having an outdoor cat. Your cat might not be safe outside. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. It could be injured via a vehicle or another animal. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.
Understand the difference between cat play and real aggression. Both activities can look the same to an untrained eye, but there are differences. When two cats are playing, they will bat each other around with claws retracted. They will “bite” with their jaws loose. Real aggression will involve hisses, squeals and hard biting.
Get your cat all the necessary vaccinations. There are a number of them and you should talk to your veterinarian about the proper schedule. Many are given at the early stages of a kitten’s development, then given annually thereafter. These vaccinations prevent such problems as feline leukemia, rabies and respiratory problems.
Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you must make some changes, it would be a good idea to do them gradually.
Encourage your child to play with cats by using toys, not by using their fingers and hands. Choose toys that put distance between the child’s hands and the cat’s teeth and claws. During a vigorous play session, an excited kitten is more likely to accidentally scratch its playmate’s skin. For example, you might use a long wand-type toy with a dangling feather or bell.
Make sure to feed your diet pet food specifically made for cats. While a bag of dog food might be cheaper pound for pound, it will not contain the necessary vitamins, minerals and especially protein content to keep your cats healthy. Giving a cat dog food on a regular basis can also cause kidney failure and other serious illnesses.
If you have a diabetic cat, consider a grain free diet. There are many studies that show grains will increase blood sugar readings and cause problems for a cat with a diagnosis of diabetes. You can choose to go grain free with a raw food diet for your friend or purchase a ready made food that is missing wheat, corn and soy.
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.
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.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, cats need a lot of attention and care if you want them to live a happy and healthy life. Make sure to implement the advice mentioned above if you’re considering getting a cat. It is information both you and your cat are sure to benefit from.
