Cats are fundamental different from humans. Aside from them being covered in fur and walking on all fours, they have different diet requirements. There are certain foods that a cat must eat, and some that a cat can’t eat. The following article can give you some dietary tips to aid you in feeding your cat.
Protect your cat from strangling by making sure the cords of curtains and blinds are secured and out of reach. When you make or purchase a dangly toy for your cat, be sure to supervise during play. Put the toy away if you will not be around to watch.
Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also be a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome “deposits” in neighbor’s gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.
A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. Microchips are minuscule, but can hold all the essential information about your cat and its hope. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.
Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.
Do not flush clumpable litter in your toilet. This can lead to problems with your plumbing. Instead just lift the clumps and dispose of them in a trash bag. Don’t forget, moisture is what makes the litter clump in the first place! Avoid doing that to your pipes and just dispose of it properly.
Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You cat is used to being at home and it might shock him to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.
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.
Cats enjoy high places. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.
While it is perfectly normal for a dog to pant a lot of the time, you should be alarmed if you notice your cat doing it. It may only be a small case of anxiety, but in some cases it is something much more serious like cardiovascular or respiratory distress.
Have patience with your cat. Remember that your cat is not a dog, and may not be as easily trainable as one. However, if you are being clear in your commands and gently encouraging them, you’ll find that your cat responds the way you want him to. Just be patient.
Despite popular belief, you should never give your cat milk to drink. Cats’ digestive systems lack an abundance of lactase, the enzyme used to break down dairy products. The reality is that this can cause your cat to experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other types of gastrointestinal discomfort. In this case, milk does NOT do a body good!
Your kitty may love table scraps, but they aren’t cat friendly. Your cat may want human food, but most of it is not healthy for any cat. You can give your cat a little treat every now and then, such as a tiny bit of egg or beef. However, if you feed a cat the right cat food, he is already getting proper nutrition.
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.
Whatever your cat eats depends on what you feed it. Giving your cat bad food will put its health in jeopardy and possibly end its life. If you give it food suited for it, the cat will thrive. Keep this article handy and follow it closely when it’s feeding time.
