There are some purchases that justify spending the extra dollar and what your cat eats is definitely one of them. The difference between the “good food” and the “cheap food” is phenomenal. Just stick with buying the natural, healthy food from the beginning and you won’t ever have to worry about a picky kitten.
Before acquiring a cat, be sure that you have the wherewithal to take care of all necessary vet care. Cats reproduce at an alarming rate, and spaying or neutering is essential to keeping cat population under control. Check spay, neuter and vaccination costs and packages with local vets and clinics and be sure you can afford to give your cat proper medical care.
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.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.
Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Every cat needs exercise time and play! This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. Cats who become bored often have issues that can affect them in a big way. Some of these issues are obesity due to eating out of boredom, OCD issues, fighting with other pets and depression. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.
The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. It shouldn’t be put in an area with high traffic and should be far from their food. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.
Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.
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.
The chances are good that your cat will come running for their favorite treat. There are many different recipes out there specifically for homemade cat treats. This is a fun way to spoil your cat. There is also the benefit of knowing what exactly your cat is consuming, to ensure that it is healthy for them.
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.
Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. You may have noticed that a dripping sink faucet quickly attracts their attention. A fountain keeps the water moving without letting any go to waste.
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.
Buy a pet drinking fountain to prevent dehydration. Cats are attracted to running water, so a pet drinking fountain may help to encourage your cat to drink more. Proper hydration can cure and prevent a large number of feline health problems. Therefore, a pet drinking fountain could improve the health of your cat and reduce vet bills.
You should never use medications designed for humans on your cat. If you cat suffers from health issues, ask your vet for his recommended treatment option. When you make the mistake of giving any type of human medication to your cat, it can kill them or cause them some other type of grave medical misfortune.
Cats are all unique and some cats prefer different kinds of food than others and nothing is harder to please than a picky feline. As you get to know your pet, experiment with different foods and treats until you learn what they do and don’t like to eat. You will likely find that you both enjoy some of the same foods.
