Your cat probably seems like the most independent animal you’ve ever seen. They don’t seem to need your attention like a dog might, and they seem self-reliant in almost every way. That may be so, but your cat still needs some care from you. Here are some cat tips to help you give your cat the best care.
Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!
Make a free toy for your cat by placing a little dry rice or a few dry beans inside an empty pill bottle. Close the lid and roll the rattly toy across the floor. Most cats can’t resist the sound and motion. You can also tie a length of twine around the neck of the bottle to make a pull toy or a dangly toy.
Clip your cats nails regularly. Cats do have to scratch. However, when cats scratch, their nail sheaths come off and their sharp, pointy claws are exposed. Clipping your cat’s claws every two to three weeks keeps them blunt and helps keep harm to furniture, humans, and other pets to a minimum.
Cats love to much on grass and plants such as catnip. There are plants however that are poisonous to cats. Chrysanthemums and holly are beautiful and common around the Holidays, but can be very toxic to cats. Other plants that are toxic or lethal include lilies, rhubarb and daffodils.
If your cat seems to want to avoid his food bowl, try getting a different kind of bowl. Plastic can sometimes turn a cat off if it isn’t cleaned constantly, and can hold on to certain scents. Try glass or a metal bowl for best results, so your cat will keep eating.
Let your cat exercise their hunting instinct. Cats are natural born hunters; however, this does not mean you need to allow mice to invade your home. Hide treats and toys throughout your home, and your cat will have a blast hunting down their treats. You can also find feather and laser toys that your cat can chase and pounce on.
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.
Brush your cat’s fur regularly. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. You will also decrease the amount of fur throughout your home. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.
If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat. Therefore, they may hide, hiss, or even fight one another. But, eventually, they will get used to the idea, and begin to tolerate, and even enjoy, each other’s company.
Most cats are prone to wax build up and ear mites. You can purchase a solution at the pet store that will clean out your cats ears. You put a couple drops in each of your cats ears and then hold them closed while massaging them for a minute. When you let go, stand back or you will get covered in the liquid when your cat shakes its head.
There is no need to bathe a cat since they are able to do most of their cleaning by themselves. The only way that you should bathe a cat is if there is something on their coat that has not come off for a good length of time, like oil and chemicals.
There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
It is a misconception that cats should drink milk or cream after they are weaned. Once a kitten is weaned from its mother’s milk, it no longer needs milk of any kind. In fact, milk or cream can cause digestive problems when given to an adult cat. So, to be on the safe side, skip the milk, and offer your pets lots of clean water instead.
Do you offer your cats inexpensive food, thinking that it will last longer, and you get more for your money? The truth is, cheaper foods usually lack the proper nutrients and protein cats need in order to stay healthy. Instead, they contain fillers, such as corn, to bulk up the food. Cats need to eat more of cheaper foods, but will require less of a protein-rich food that will keep him healthier in the long run.
Take your cat to the vet at least once a year. The veterinarian will check your cat’s weight and vital signs. In addition, the vet can order blood tests and check the cat’s urine an feces for anything unusual. An annual checkup can catch any problems early, saving you added expense as an owner.
Caring for your cat can seem like a thankless job most of the time, but any cat owner is happy to do it. You just need to use the information in this article to be sure you are doing all you can for your independent feline companion. If you follow these tips, you might hear more purring!
