Cats bring joy and happiness to millions of families all over the world. Cats do have unique personalities, though, and special challenges other pets may not. You should learn everything you can about your cat, and give it the care it deserves. Read these tips to have a happy, healthy feline for years.
To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline’s bed. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.
Use petting to check on your cat’s health. Petting isn’t just a way for you and your cat to spend time together, but it’s a great way to find anything abnormal on their body. You can pet them to feel for bumps, lumps, or sores. This is also a great time for you to check their ears.
Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Wash your cat’s bed at least once a week to remove all of the bacteria from it. Even if the bed looks like it is clean, it will usually have toxins in it that can cause your pet to become sick. Replace the bed every six months to keep your cat in a sanitary environment.
Give your cat plenty of love and affection. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. There are foods which help combat this problem. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.
High areas are ideal for cats. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.
When you introduce a new cat into your home, you have to be careful with how your other cat reacts. Try giving the new cat a little space in one room at first, and then introduce him to the rest of the house. Make sure to have different litter boxes at first too. If you ease the new cat in, it will go more smoothly for everyone.
Feed a kitten proper food. A developing kitten survives exclusively on their mother’s milk for the first four weeks, a commercial formula if the mother isn’t around. When moving to regular food, feed them specially formulated kitten food until they reach maturity at the age of one. Kittens need plenty of protein while they are developing.
Keep track of your feline friend by having the animal microchipped. This small device is implanted beneath the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Microchip implantation may sting for a few seconds, but the implant is otherwise unnoticeable and will not cause your pet any discomfort. This chip makes it easier for animal control to locate your cat if it goes missing.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. Treat your cat as if it were a member of the family.
If your cat has bad breath, a trip to the vet is in order. Bad breath in cats can be a red flag for tooth decay or more serious conditions. These include diabetes, stomach problems and lung disorders. So, if your cat’s breath smells worse than the food he eats, get to the bottom of the issue before it gets out of control.
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.
Make your years of cat ownership enjoyable with proper care. Cats can be an easy pet to care for at times, while at other times they have special needs specific to their species. Use the advice here to keep your cat bouncing for years. There is no pet quite like a cat, and the memories will last a lifetime.
