Our love affair with having cats as a pet dates back many years. Owning a cat is a challenge, however. There are special needs that a cat owner should be aware of, even if they have had other pets. Cats are not the same as other animals. Study this article carefully to learn great cat tips.
If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.
To help prevent tapeworm infestation in cats, feed a small amount of food grade diatomaceous earth for two weeks out of each month. About a quarter of a teaspoon per cat per day is adequate. Food grade diatomaceous earth kills internal parasites and causes them to be expelled from the system.
If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.
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.
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.
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.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
Should you leave the house with your cat, make sure that she is wearing a collar with tags. This way, if anything happens and you two become separated, anyone can find her and know how to reach you. Your cat may not like the collar all the time, but when she’s out of the house it can save her.
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.
Use your cat to teach your children responsibilities. A pet demands care that the whole family can participate in. Each child can take different day to feed the cat, for instance. Same thing for litterbox care. You can make a schedule and post it on the refrigerator. Then, everyone knows what they are responsible for.
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.
Give your cat a water fountain. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. This is a more natural way for them to drink.
Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian’s information as well. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.
When introducing a new cat to your home, make sure that your other pets have time to adjust. You will want to give the new cat extra attention, but it is important to keep up established routines with your other pets. Allow the new cat to explore its new home while you care for your other pets.
Avoid overfeeding your cat, as it can lead to many health issues. If your cat gets more food than he needs, then he will quickly become obese which can lead to more serious health issues. Monitor your cat’s meal portions, and be sure he is getting a well balanced diet.
Much like people, cats have been known to develop food allergies later in life. Any time you introduce a new type of treat or food into your pet’s diet, watch them closely for signs of an allergic reaction. These include shortness of breath, hives, and erratic behavior. If possible, determine which ingredients are the culprit and ask your vet for recommendations.
As stated earlier in this article, cats are great pets. You need to know all you can about cat care to ensure the happiness of your pet. Take these suggestions to heart so you can learn to be a great cat owner. Kitty will be thankful!
