Do you have a cat? If you do, you know how much fun it can be. Cats are not as easy to please as dogs, but they have their own personalities and can be a great pet to have in your home. Here are some tips that will help you take care of this wonderful animal.
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.
To keep your cat healthy and strengthen its bond with you, always set aside lots of play time. Kittens especially need lots of attention, which you can easily give to them through play. Pull a piece of string around for a fun and gentle way to keep a cat entertained for hours!
Your cat needs love and attention. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. Make her feel like she is part of your family.
A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Choose a low magnesium food. Take a look at the food’s label. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
Do you love your cat but suffer from allergies? If giving up your feline-friend is not something that you can do, try these things first. Get rid of as much carpeting as possible because your cats dander gets trapped in it. You can also not allow your cat in your bedroom at all. This will make living with your cat easier on your allergies.
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
Are you the proud owner of both a cat and dog? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.
If your cat goes outdoors a lot, the chances are good that they come home filthy once in a while. When your cat is especially dirty or smelling like a skunk, you should make an appointment with the local groomer. Groomers will be gentle with your cat, resulting in a less traumatic experience.
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.
Cats have an uncanny ability to always find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat to familiarize themselves with the smells of your new place. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
If you suspect that your cat is pregnant, make an appointment with the vet as soon as you can to make sure that is really the case. There are a few serious illnesses that can mimic pregnancy, so you want to make sure that none of these has affected your cat.
When it comes to cat litter, you should scoop out all of the waste on a daily basis. Cats will not use a litter box that is overflowing with waste, and they will start looking for somewhere else to use the bathroom. Change the entire box at least once every few weeks.
Cats have a great sense of smell, which allows them to be more perceptive. This can cause a problem when trying to introduce a new bed, scratching post, or food dish. Don’t fret if your cat doesn’t use the items right away. Eventually the cat will get used to the smell and things will go back to normal.
If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Dogs pant as a way to release heat from their bodies. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. Be sure to talk to a vet, particularly if the cat is prone to respiratory issues.
Feed your kitten a variety of cat foods to avoid a finicky cat later. Pick different textures and different brands on a regular basis and your kitten will learn to enjoy new tastes. This can also avoid feeding problems if your usual brand is no longer available in your area.
Think a lot before you give your cat scraps from the table as treats. People food is bad for cats, given its ingredients, preservatives and common cooking techniques utilized. If you want to make a special treat for your cat, it will like a small amount of eggs, beef or chicken. This is not necessary, though. If you feed them the right food appropriate to their size and age, they need nothing else.
Cats can be a lot of fun if they are happy. They might never play fetch with you, but a cat is a wonderful companion. Use the tips laid out in this article to help you to properly care for this furry friend. Then, see if you can search out more tips. The more you know, the better cat owner you will be.
