Your cat may not be a picky eater, but that’s no excuse for feeding it processed can foods during each meal. Focus on setting up a customized diet with your veterinarian that works well with your cats individual physical needs. This guide was written to help organize this diet along with other health-conscious activities that you should be apart of.
You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat’s life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.
Keep a clean litter box. Like you, a cat will generally not use a bathroom that is filthy. Find a quiet area out of the way that the box can stay in, and don’t move it unless absolutely necessary. Scoop solids out a couple time of day. Make sure to dump the whole box, wash it with a gentle detergent, and refill it once a week.
A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
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.
Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.
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.
Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Let your kids know where the cat can go. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. You need to establish some clear rules for your pet and ask everyone to follow them.
If your cat has to have a surgery such as being spayed or neutered, they will need rest when they come home. It is hard to keep a cat from jumping up on furniture, but necessary to avoid pulling out stitches. Designate an area in your house for your cat to recuperate where they will be less likely to injure themselves, until they are healed enough to roam free.
You cat should get cat food that is of a good quality. Ensure that the food your cat eats is very high in protein. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Cats are carnivores, so if you want them to be as healthy as possible, you need to be sure they’re eating enough animal protein.
Cats’ curiosity often puts them in risky situations. Something as simple as a necklace, window pull, or phone cords can cause your pet to become injured or even killed. These items should be bound securely so that they are not a source of temptation for your inquisitive pet. Many childproofing aids work just as well for your kitten.
Avoid using phenol-containing chemicals if you have cats. The chemical is most often found in pine cleaners. These chemicals can have a devastating impact on your cat’s liver.
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.
If you are bringing a new kitten into a home with one or more cats, purchase an extra litter box so that your other cats do not have to share right away. It may take some time for your established cats to become used to the new scent in the house.
If you have a long haired cat, regular grooming is an essential tool. Grooming helps to keep your kitty clean and well cared for. It can help to prevent shedding and skin disease too. While bathing your cat is not required more than every so often, make sure to brush him daily and tend to any mats in his coat.
Think twice before feeding a cat table scraps in place of treats. The additives in human food may not agree with your cats’ digestive system. You can give your cat a little treat every now and then, such as a tiny bit of egg or beef. But, simply by adhering to the weight and age recommendations on cat food packaging, you will ensure a proper diet.
Cats have their own body-types much like humans and they face their own problems while whipping that body into shape. Make a point to take your cat outside every day and practice a few of these activities to help burn the fat away. Once your cat is lean and healthy, you can turn your focus towards keeping it at that stage.